Is Your Heat Pump Ready for the Holidays?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is enchanting, there are so many festivities and celebrations coming up, and everyone is getting ready to nestle in and feel cozy for the holidays. But you won’t feel very cozy if your heat pump isn’t ready for the season!
Your heat pump is a miraculous machine. It’ll keep you comfy all year round, but it does require a little bit of attention this time of year. If you’re not sure how to prepare your heat pump for the winter weather, or you need a little refresher, we’ve got the info you need.
How Heat Pumps Work
This versatile climate control system is basically a reversible air conditioner. During the summer, it draws heat out of your home. But with a simple switch, the same refrigerant coils that do that job can be used to bring heat in as well. Moving heat from one place to another uses very little energy compared to actually generating heat, so it’s the most efficient heating system there is.
Reversing the Refrigerant Flow
To manage the switch between cooling and heating, a heat pump has a component called a reversing valve located in the outdoor unit. It uses a solenoid, a type of electromagnet, to create pressure that opens or closes pathways for refrigerant to flow through. With the pathway open in one direction, the refrigerant carries heat away from the home, and with it open the other way, heat is carried indoors.
Changing your heat pump from one mode to another is as simple as setting your thermostat to heating or cooling. The heat pump will get the message and reverse the flow. If you’re struggling with this process, check your owner’s manual, or reach out to us with any questions.
The Importance of the Air Filter
It’s critical to change the air filter of your heat pump every month when it’s getting a lot of use. You can change it somewhat less often, around every 2-3 months if your heat pump is only being used occasionally.
The buildup on a dirty air filter will make it very hard for the heat pump to get enough airflow. Without enough air, the blower motor can overheat and burn out. And while the system struggles to pull enough air through, the strain can damage the compressor.
Twice-Yearly Maintenance
Because your heat pump is used all year, it should have professional maintenance done twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall, before the times when it will have the heaviest use. Refrigerant coils will be checked for leaks, drainage systems will be cleaned to prevent mold and bacteria, moving parts will be lubricated to reduce friction, and all that dust and grime will be cleaned away.
Prompt Repairs
The one part of your heat pump that you really don’t want to get damaged is the compressor. It’s so costly and complicated to replace this component that unless your heat pump is brand-new, you’re likely better off replacing the whole system. Many small heat pump problems, which could easily be repaired, can put a lot of strain on the compressor if you fail to get prompt heat pump repair in Denton.
So switch your thermostat to the heat setting, change your air filter, schedule your maintenance, and don’t hesitate to get help if your heat pump is having trouble, and you’ll be all set for the holiday season.
Contact PRK Services, Inc. today for all your heating and cooling needs.