Seasonal Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Any major HVAC component in your home or building will require some periodic maintenance to function optimally, and heat pumps are no exception. Heat pumps are valuable HVAC components that can serve both heating and cooling needs throughout the year, but they’ll only work to their fullest extent if you maintain a basic heat pump maintenance checklist.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to provide the best heat pump maintenance and related heat pump services available around Salt Lake City, Sandy, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Riverton, and nearby areas. Here are some basics on why your heat pump needs maintenance on a seasonal basis, plus some spring and fall heat pump maintenance checklist items to keep in mind – whether completed on your own or with the help of our experts, wherever necessary.

Why Heat Pump Maintenance is Important

There are several reasons why regular maintenance is important for your heat pump:

1. Efficiency: Like any other appliance, a heat pump needs to be maintained in order to function at its optimal level. Regular maintenance ensures that all components are working properly and efficiently, helping you save on energy costs.
2. Prevents Breakdowns: No one wants their heat pump to break down in the middle of winter or during a scorching summer day. Regular maintenance can catch any potential issues early on, preventing costly breakdowns and repairs.
3. Extends Lifespan: With proper maintenance, your heat pump can last up to 15 years or more. Neglecting regular maintenance can significantly reduce its lifespan, leading to the need for a replacement sooner than expected.
4. Saves Money in the Long Run: Investing in regular maintenance may seem like an additional expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. By catching and fixing small issues early on, you can avoid larger and more expensive repairs down the line.
5. Improves Indoor Air Quality: A well-maintained heat pump not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps improve indoor air quality. Regularly changing air filters and cleaning coils ensures that dust, dirt, and other pollutants are removed from the air circulating through your home.

Now, let’s go over some heat pump maintenance checklist items for both spring and fall seasons.

Spring Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Here are the most important items to include in your spring heat pump maintenance checklist:

• Clean or replace air filters: This should be done every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter you have.
• Check and clean the outdoor unit: Remove any debris, dirt, or vegetation that may have accumulated around the outdoor unit. This can block airflow and reduce the efficiency of your heat pump.
• Check refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak and should be addressed by a professional technician.
• Inspect fan blades and motor: Make sure they are clean and in good condition. Replace any damaged parts as necessary.
• Test thermostat: Ensure that your thermostat is functioning properly and accurately reading temperature.

If you’re concerned about your ability to complete any of these maintenance tasks yourself, consider hiring a professional HVAC technician to do the job for you. It’s important to regularly maintain your heat pump in order to keep it running efficiently and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Fall Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

On the flip side, here are some things you should do to prepare your heat pump for the winter months:

• Clean or replace air filters: Just like in the spring, it’s important to clean or replace your air filters before heavy use in the fall. This will ensure that your heat pump is able to efficiently circulate warm air throughout your home.
• Check outdoor unit: Make sure that there is no debris or vegetation obstructing the outdoor unit of your heat pump. This can affect its performance and efficiency.
• Inspect ductwork: Look for any holes, leaks, or cracks in your ductwork and seal them with duct tape as necessary. This will prevent warm air from escaping and keep your energy bills low.
• Schedule professional maintenance: It’s important to have a professional HVAC technician perform a thorough inspection and maintenance on your heat pump at least once a year. They can identify any potential issues and ensure that your system is running efficiently.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re here to help with any kind of seasonal heat pump maintenance you may require for your system. Contact us today to learn more about this or any of our HVAC services around SLC, Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Riverton, or nearby areas of Utah!