FILTERS: The number one thing YOU can do in caring for your heating system is keeping your filters clean/changed. Dirty filters impede airflow across the heat exchanger coil, reducing efficiency and causing high head pressures that can drastically shorten compressor life. Dirty/plugged filters may cause the heat pump to lockout. We recommend checking the filters every other month and replacing or cleaning when needed.
LOCKOUT: A lockout of the heat pump can result if the system recognizes a potential problem that may damage the heat pump, like a plugged filter, or power surge. The lock out is designed to protect the heat pump from further damage; the result to you is higher electric bills in the winter or no air conditioning in the summer. If a lockout happens you will need to cycle power to the air handler/furnace at the electrical panel. First switch the breaker(s) off in your panel labeled air handler or furnace, clean or change your filter, after 5 minutes switch the breaker back to the on position. Not all brands have this feature.
MAINTENANCE: Yearly maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer. You would not drive your car 100,000 miles without changing the oil, tires or getting gas. The same logic holds true for your home comfort system. Yearly maintenance is vital for the longevity of your equipment. Your heating and cooling system uses over 50 percent of your energy costs in your home. While changing/cleaning the air filter is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your system working proficiently, a regular maintenance routine will help keep your system operating at peak performance and will give you peace of mind.
THERMOSTAT: If the thermostat displays the words AUX, this indicates that it is using auxiliary heating elements. During cold weather, auxiliary heat comes on from time to time to maintain your thermostat setting. You may also notice the AUX on when the heat pump is in defrost mode.
DEFROST: All heat pumps go through a defrost cycle when the outside temperature is 45 degrees or colder. This is necessary for the outdoor unit, heat pump, to defrost itself periodically to prevent ice buildup. When this happens, the outside fan stops while the compressor continues to run (causing a humming noise) and you may notice steam coming off the unit. The defrost cycle can last up to 20 minutes, and it will create a large puff of steam on termination and sometimes the heat pump will make some strange creaking or cracking noises at the outdoor unit. You may also see water come out from under the unit. This is a normal function of a heat pump and it may happen several times a day when temperatures are low.
SNOW: It may be necessary during a snowstorm or in higher elevations to remove the snow from on or around your heat pump, 18” of clearance is best and will provide enough air flow so that your system can work at its peak.
LANDSCAPING: Your heat pump will also need a minimum of 18” clearance, in all directions, from landscaping plants. Keeping grass, bushes, trees, and weeds trimmed back will allow proper air flow and make your system work proficiently and prolong its lifespan.
Call us today if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a preventive maintenance inspection 360-683-4245.