For sure, a heat pump is a hard-working piece of equipment. It runs year-round, providing comfort on brisk, cool days and blazing hot days alike. And, no matter the season, this machine is located outdoors, where it’s exposed to all the elements Florida has to offer.
A heat pump can take heat out of a home and release it in the open air. Alternatively, when the temperatures drop, this device warms a home by bringing in heat from outdoors.
Unfortunately, heat pumps suffer more wear and tear than traditional furnaces or air conditioners. Thus, professional heat pump service is essential.
But how often should your pump get serviced? What goes on during a heat pump service appointment? And how can you be certain you’re maintaining your heat pump as effectively as possible?
When to Service Your Heat Pump in Florida
To keep your heat pump in prime condition, have it serviced twice a year. One ideal time to do so is in the spring, just before the temperatures start to spike. (In Pensacola, of course, that generally happens in May.)
Likewise, right before the chill of late September or early October, it’s wise to schedule your second service visit.
Your heat pump will then be ready for Florida’s hot season and cool season. And it’s less likely you’ll have to make an emergency HVAC call.
Pro tip: Call for your heat pump appointments well before the HVAC busy seasons begin. That way, you’ll avoid delays.
What Happens During Professional Heat Pump Service
A heat pump service appointment involves an inspection of every part of this machine, inside and out.
To be more specific, when pros service heat pumps, they test the airflow. They clean the two coils, the indoor evaporator coil and outdoor condenser coil. They check the refrigerant, which is the chemical mixture that absorbs and releases heat.
They also calibrate the thermostat and lubricate all of the moving parts. And they conduct a series of vital electrical checks and system diagnostics.
Pro tip: Ask your HVAC pro for a copy of their service checklist, and keep that document in your records.
Monthly Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
Naturally, keeping your heat pump in superb condition requires more than two service appointments each year.
Rather, there are some special tasks you can do throughout the year to keep your heat pump running flawlessly:
- Change or clean your heat pump’s filters every 30 to 60 days.
- Whenever the outdoor unit looks dirty, turn off its power and hose it down. (Even if it doesn’t look dirty, you should hose this machine down at least twice a year.)
- Trim any plants and remove any debris within 2 feet of the unit.
- Always monitor this machine for performance dips and irregularities of any kind.
Red Flags That Call for Immediate Servicing
If there’s a problem with your heat pump, call a professional for help right away — no matter when your pump was last serviced or when it’s scheduled to be serviced next.
As with any complex machine, the sooner you address a mechanical problem, the easier the solution is likely to be. Why wait until severe damage occurs?
Here are some signs that you should contact an HVAC pro at once:
- Ice has built up on your unit or on its coils.
- Strange smells or noises are emerging from the machine.
- The system is either running constantly or short-cycling.
- The airflow is weak.
- Your home’s internal temperatures are inconsistent.
- Your energy bills spike suddenly and for no apparent reason.
How Heat Pump Service Saves You Money
With regular heat pump service, you can enjoy a range of wallet-friendly benefits.
For starters, when this machine runs well, your household will consume less energy. That will lower your monthly utility bills.
Also, routine service can extend a heat pump’s lifespan by 5 to 10 years. Thus, over time, you won’t need as many expensive replacements.
Moreover, HVAC pros can take care of minor technical issues before they cause breakdowns. Breakdowns, of course, mean higher repair costs.
Not to mention, it’s likely that your heat pump warranty requires regular maintenance appointments. And, if you fail to schedule routine servicing, you might void your warranty. As a result, if you needed to repair or replace your heat pump, you’d have to foot the whole cost yourself!
Choosing the Right HVAC Pro for the Job
To reiterate, when it comes to professional heat pump service, twice a year is the golden rule. And, in addition to those checkups, routine DIY upkeep is crucial.
At this point, you might have one more important question: What should you look for in an HVAC service provider?
Well, first of all, you’ll want a heat pump specialist who’s licensed and insured.
When you find such a person or company, you could read local reviews and verify their credentials just to be safe. Then, when you call for more information, you could ask about their maintenance plans and seasonal checkups.
For homes in Pensacola and all surrounding areas, Pensacola One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating is an excellent option. We offer various heat pump services, including maintenance, installation, repair, and replacement.
Furthermore, our technicians are skilled, knowledgeable, and committed to customer satisfaction. Plus, without fail, we’re punctual. That’s why we can proudly say: “We’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime!”
With all of that in mind, please give us a call whenever you’d like. After each of our service visits, you’ll definitely be feeling pumped!