Like all heating and cooling systems, proper maintenance remains the key to efficient heat pump operation. The difference in electric use between a well-maintained unit and a severely neglected one can range from 10 percent to 25 percent!
Here are a few heat pump maintenance items you should do in the early spring to get your heat pump ready for summer:
Switching your thermostat from HEAT to COOL – there should be a switch on your thermostat with three settings: HEAT, COOL, and OFF. Before you do anything, turn the switch to COOL mode, so you don’t forget to do it later!
Make sure your fan is set to AUTO – in addition to the HEAT, COOL, OFF switch on your thermostat, there should be another one labeled ON and AUTO. While you’re adjusting the first switch, make sure this one is set to AUTO. This will prevent the fan from running constantly, instead of letting it turn on and off as necessary to keep your home comfortable as efficiently as possible.
Check your air filters – dirty filters can wreak havoc on your heat pump, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing a complete breakdown. Remember to change your air filters every month to three months, depending on how often you run your unit. This is an easy and inexpensive way to help keep your heat pump unit running efficiently.
Set the right temperature – during the summer, every degree higher you set your thermostat can save you as much as 3-5 percent on your electric bills! Setting your thermostat as high as it is comfortable will help you save money and increase the life of your heat pump. For best results, install a programmable thermostat to optimize cooling and efficiency!
Schedule heat pump maintenance – if you want your heat pump unit to run as efficiently and effectively as possible all year long, the best thing to do is have your system inspected before starting the cooling season and again before the heating system. These preventative inspections give a heat pump expert a chance to ensure that your system runs properly and fix any minor issues before becoming major problems!