How to Maintain a Heat Pump

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (4 Ratings)

Nothing can ruin your summer or winter like finding you have no heat or air conditioning because your heat pump is malfunctioning. If you have to buy a new heat pump, an uncomfortable season can turn into an uncomfortable year. However, heat pumps are easy to take care of--a little attention from you and regular servicing by a professional will keep you comfortable, as explained in these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Air filters

Step 1

Change the air filters once a month. Buy several filters at once so you can change them on schedule without making a trip to a store to buy a filter.
Step 2

Clean the coils on the unit whenever they look dirty.
Step 3

Clear vegetation from around the unit.
Step 4

Straighten the fins on the registers if they become bent.
Step 5

Have your heat pump professionally serviced twice a year. The best time is in the spring and fall before the weather makes heavy demands on your unit.
Step 6

Check your heat pump often during the winter to make sure ice isn't building up on it. If it is, switch to emergency heat and call a technician. Ice building up on a heat pump is a sign of a malfunction; if you ignore the problem, you may have to replace your unit.

Tips & Warnings

Set your fan to automatic so it isn't constantly on. This will extend the life of your heat pump.
If your backup heat comes on frequently, reset the thermostat. Your home will be a few degrees cooler, but you'll save money.
Don't confuse backup heat with emergency heat. Backup heat provides heat during the coldest weather. Emergency heat should only be used when the heat pump is malfunctioning and has to be turned off.

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