Heat pump maintenance requires two service calls per year, but we’ll explain how to maintain a heat pump to ensure it keeps your household comfortable. Not all maintenance tasks require an HVAC professional. Various DIY tasks can help improve heat pump performance and avoid costly repairs.
Here are some heat pump maintenance tasks you can perform yourself:
- Clean or Change the Filter
- Clean and Declutter the Outdoor Unit
- Protect the Outdoor Unit from Water
- Clean the Outdoor Coil
- De-ice the Outdoor Coil
- Clean the Indoor Unit
- Inspect Electrical Components/Connections
- Clean/Open Supply and Return Registers
- When Should I Clean My Heat Pump?
- What Maintenance Tasks Should Be Left to a Professional?
Clean or Change the Filter
Your heat pump runs year-round. The system cannot wait until spring or fall maintenance to have a clear filter. A clogged filter can block airflow, force the system to work harder, and damage the compressor. How frequently it’s changed or cleaned depends on the model and your home’s indoor air quality (but generally ranges from every 2 to 6 months).
Check the filter at least once a month. If it’s dirty or clogged, change or clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Some types of filters can be vacuumed or washed in water. Others must be replaced. To service your air filter, turn off the heat pump, remove the old filter, and insert a new filter of the same size with the airflow arrows pointing in the right direction.
Clean and Declutter the Outdoor Unit
Check the outdoor unit regularly. If anything is blocking it, the system’s performance can decrease. Clear any leaves, branches, or dirt from the unit and trim back plants or shrubs at least 18 inches on all sides. You can brush the unit clean or use a water hose to wash off the base and sides. During the winter, clear snow and ice regularly during inclement weather, as these can prevent the unit from working properly.
Protect the Outdoor Unit from Water
Water can seriously damage the outdoor unit. Check the unit to see if it’s wet or if water is dripping onto it. If so, locate the source. For example, if the unit is sitting below a roof gutter, find a way to divert the water flow so it doesn’t contact the heat pump. Also, maintain a 4- to 8-inch gap beneath it so any water that accumulates on the housing (and condensate from the coil) can drain away.
Clean the Outdoor Coil
Clean the heat pump coils per the manufacturer’s recommendations. They can often be cleaned with a coil brush. Water and a degreaser effectively remove debris that can interfere with heat transfer and efficiency. To remove debris from the fins, spray them gently with a garden hose.
De-ice the Outdoor Coil
Your heat pump should de-ice the coil automatically. Depending on the model, it has either a temperature sensor or a timer that triggers the heat pump to switch modes and run a defrost cycle. If there’s still ice on the coil, you can switch the thermostat from “Heat” to “Cool” or run it in fan-only mode. The ice should eventually melt (although we don’t advise doing this on a cold day).
Ice can also be removed manually. The safest way to do this is to turn the system off at the breaker and spray the coil with a garden hose. Avoid using anything sharp that can puncture the coil and cause pressurized refrigerant to leak.
Clean the Indoor Unit
Indoor components may not need to be cleaned as frequently. However, check the indoor coil occasionally for dirt; it can be cleaned with a soft brush or compressed air. To clean the condensate drain pan, turn the system off; then drain the pan using a wet and dry vacuum or towels.Â
The drain pan can also be removed and dumped over the sink. You can wash it with plain water or a mix of water and detergent or dish soap. If the pan is stained or has rust spots, scrub it with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar can also be used to clear a drain line and remove mold; to use it, fill a spray bottle, and spray the inside of the drain line.
Inspect Electrical Components/Connections
An electrical problem can cause extensive damage to your heat pump. At the very least, the system won’t work as efficiently. A hidden issue can also cause a shock, burn, or fire. Look for loose cables, frayed wires, or corroded electrical components. Call a professional if you notice any issues.
Clean/Open Supply and Return Registers
The registers can get dusty and dirty but can be easily cleaned with a vacuum or a brush. You can also remove them and rinse them under water. Also, check that the registers are open. Closing them can cause airflow issues that affect heating or cooling performance and strain the system.
When Should I Clean My Heat Pump?
How often your heat pump should be cleaned depends on the model and other factors. Consider cleaning the system if it’s not providing cool air, your energy bills go up, or the unit makes unusual noises. Unpleasant odors are also a sign it should be cleaned.
What Maintenance Tasks Should Be Left to a Professional?
Leave more technical tasks to someone who knows how to maintain a heat pump. A licensed contractor can check for refrigerant leaks, lubricate motors and moving parts, tighten electrical connections, and check system controls. They also inspect the condenser and evaporator coils, blower elements, and the reversing valve.
See our heat pump maintenance checklist for even more details on the process.
Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance Today
Heat pumps should be maintained twice a year. Since they provide heating in winter and cooling in summer, they’re in near-constant use, so wear and tear can quickly become a problem. Our skilled heat pump maintenance technicians follow a detailed checklist to improve efficiency and avoid costly repairs. By joining Sky Heating & Air Conditioning’s Signature Protection Plan, you’ll receive priority maintenance and other perks. Contact us online or call (888) 961-4282 to learn more or request service.