Winters in Shelby County, Kentucky, tend to be mild, making it a great region for owning a heat pump. With a heat pump, you can use a single HVAC system to handle your air conditioning needs in the summer and heating needs in the winter. Though this HVAC equipment has an average life expectancy of about 15 years, you can follow the best heat pump maintenance tips to maximize your system’s use for 20 years or longer.

At Air Support Heating & AC Repair, we are leading HVAC service contractors in Shelbyville, KY, so our experts know how to keep heat pumps running in top condition. Our guide below outlines the top maintenance tips to follow.

How To Keep a Heat Pump Running Smoothly in Shelbyville

Heat pumps can run on electricity or natural gas, but it doesn’t matter what type of system your Shelbyville home uses to heat and cool its rooms. All heat pumps need routine maintenance to keep their parts functional and free of damage, debris, and premature wear.

Below are several ways to give your heat pump the care and attention it needs.

Adjust Your Thermostat Settings Carefully

One of the top heat pump maintenance tips is to keep your thermostat in one setting. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can spike energy bills.

It’s better to keep the thermostat on a single setting and lower the temperature accordingly to prevent unnecessary strain on the heat pump. If your Shelbyville home has a setback thermostat, only make adjustments twice a day to keep energy costs low. An example would be adjusting the thermostat when nobody is home and at bedtime.

Replace the Air Filter Regularly

Air filter replacement should occur at least once every 90 days. If you have pets or allergy issues, it may be best to change the filter once a month.

Changing or cleaning your heat pump’s air filter is necessary to keep your indoor air clean and promote sufficient airflow for the heat pump. Filters can quickly accumulate airborne debris like dust, pet hair, dander, and mold spores. If the screen is clogged, it will restrict airflow and cause more particulates to settle throughout your home.

Check the Heat Pump for Ice

Heat pumps can handle the elements, yet ice and snow can still build up on the system’s external components in the winter. Part of routine coil maintenance includes inspecting the unit for ice and defrosting it by setting the thermostat to the “Emergency Heat” setting or turning it off and pouring warm water over the unit.

Clean the Heat Pump and Its Surrounding Areas

Ideally, the area around your heat pump’s outdoor unit should have as much clearance as possible. Tips for outdoor unit cleaning include:

Mowing grass
Removing dead leaves, twigs, and other debris
Trimming plants away from the equipment

Too much clutter around the heat pump can restrict essential airflow. Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit at all times.

Schedule Professional Inspections

Don’t overlook the importance of professional inspections when exploring heat pump maintenance tips. HVAC technicians have the expertise and tools to keep any heat pump in excellent condition. They use comprehensive checklists to uncover problems like low refrigerant levels and damaged parts, which can compromise the system’s performance.

During a professional heat pump maintenance appointment, technicians will also:

Inspect the entire system
Check electrical components and tighten connections
Clean the system
Recalibrate the thermostat
Provide airflow checks for restrictions and obstructions
Lubricate moving parts

Top Benefits of Heat Pump Maintenance in Shelbyville

Maintaining the heat pump in your Shelbyville home or business might seem unnecessary, but it offers ample benefits, including:

Improved Energy Efficiency: Regular maintenance ensures the system works at peak performance without excessive energy consumption.
Manufacturer Warranty Retention: Sometimes, manufacturers will void warranties on equipment that doesn’t get routine maintenance.
Enhanced Indoor Comfort: Thanks to efficient heat pump operation, you can expect your Shelbyville home to maintain comfortable temperatures all year.
Identification of Early Problems: Professional heat pump inspections help uncover problems in their earliest stages, allowing you to address issues quickly.

Reach Out to Air Support Heating & AC Repair for Heat Pump Maintenance in Shelbyville, Kentucky

Following heat pump maintenance tips will help keep your HVAC system in good condition. Still, contacting our experts at Air Support Heating & AC Repair is the best way to optimize your system’s performance, energy efficiency, and lifespan. Our licensed HVAC technicians have years of experience repairing, installing, and maintaining heat pumps in Shelbyville, Kentucky, including high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Our honest, well-trained professionals offer free consultations and estimates, so contact us today for assistance!