How Does Preventive Maintenance Enhance The Efficiency Of Your Heat Pump?

You may only use your heating system for a few months each year in the Tampa Bay area, but that doesn’t mean that preventive maintenance is not important. Just as you get an annual air conditioner tune-up to help keep cooling costs low, an annual heat-pump tune-up will improve energy efficiency and help keep monthly heating bills affordable.

So how exactly does preventive maintenance enhance efficiency? There are a number of factors that impact energy efficiency in your heat pump’s heating and cooling operations, and several of them are directly affected by these maintenance activities:

• Lubricate Motors – The blower fan and other moving parts need to be lubricated to reduce friction and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Keeping your blower motor well maintained is one of the most essential components of improving the energy efficiency.
• Clean or Replace Filters – Air filters protect your heating and cooling equipment from dust and other particles in the air. When these particles are allowed to enter and settle on the interior surfaces of your equipment, it does not operate as efficiently.
• Inspect Coils – When dirt is allowed to access coils, buildup becomes a problem, which will hinder the flow of refrigerant, among other things. As a result, the efficiency of your heat pump is directly affected. The refrigerant levels – and the possibility of leaks – should also be checked.
• Measure and Adjust Airflow – If airflow from your heat pump becomes impeded, your equipment has to work harder to maintain your thermostat settings, causing it to run longer and increasing your energy bills.

There are several other steps involved in annual preventive maintenance. Many of these not only help improve energy efficiency, but they also help make your home more consistently comfortable in every room.

If you haven’t had preventive maintenance performed on your heat pump yet this year, contact the professionals at Simpson Air. The heating season in Florida may be short, but you want to be sure your system is ready when you need it. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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