Heat pumps are often called the future of home heating. Although heat pumps have been around for a while, they’ve only recently begun to gain popularity. They’re a well-loved heating system for homes now because of their small size, energy efficiency, and lack of emissions.
A heat pump is already incredibly efficient because it doesn’t use any fuel to create heat, but there are a few things you can do to improve its performance.
Use your heat pump all winter
Many heating systems require you to turn them off after you’re satisfied with the warmth, but that’s not the case with heat pumps. Heat pumps can (and should) run all winter long to keep them at peak performance. You might be surprised that turning a heat pump on and off can cause more of a strain on your bills than just keeping it running all winter.
In addition to keeping your heat pump on, you should also keep it at a steady temperature. It works most efficiently at a set temperature. If you’re lowering the temperature to save money, you should know that it consumes more energy when it changes temperatures. Set at an optimal temperature and go about your day for optimal results.
It’s also a good idea to keep a heat pump running in the summer for increased efficiency.
Increase the airflow
For a heating pump to function efficiently, heated air must be able to flow through the ducts without any obstructions. Obstructions can be a shelf, a photo frame, or furniture that blocks the air ducts.
You can also increase airflow by ensuring the return air duct is wide enough to let air comfortably pass through it without creating a bottleneck. Ensure that there’s no debris blocking the vents and that your fan’s blowing optimal air.
You can optimize the airflow direction by directing the air towards an open area farthest away from the indoor unit for maximum comfort.
Increasing the airflow increases the efficiency of your heat pump and keeps you warmer.
Change your air filters
The air filter is a crucial aspect of your HVAC system. It’s recommended that you get the air filters changed at least once every three months. The air filters are more strained during summer and winter when your heat pump is at peak usage. During these months, your air filters get dirtier, and they might even get blocked. A blocked air filter can also cause problems with airflow and prevent your home from getting to the ideal temperatures. It can also cause additional strain on your heat pump to maintain optimal temperatures, which can cause an increase in energy bills.
Timely air filter replacement is vital if a resident in your home has allergies.
When you regularly replace your air filters, you contribute to your heat pump’s maintenance and reduce the chances of a complete breakdown.
Keep your outdoor unit clean
A heat pump has an indoor and outdoor unit. It’s easier to spot dust and debris in the indoor unit because it’s within eyesight, but the outdoor unit is more likely to be unclean.
Keep shrubs and other plants away from your outdoor unit. Try to look for loose leaves, twigs, debris, and dust that might’ve got in there. Wipe it down with a dry cloth now and then. Keep an eye out to ensure that an animal isn’t building a nest on your outdoor unit.
Even a small blockage can lead to big problems, so check your outdoor unit at least once a week.
Have regular maintenance
Regular heat pump maintenance is almost a surefire way to increase its life expectancy and reduce the chances of costly problems. You should have your heat pump system serviced at least once a year. You can have scheduled maintenance or one-time maintenance that gets your heat pump running for the peak months.
If you’re looking for the best heat pump maintenance in Brighton, Colorado, you should call Premier Comfort ASAP!
We’re a premium HVAC provider with 12 years of experience. We pride ourselves on how much we care. We go beyond the standard HVAC provider. Our honest, courteous team of professionals works with you to help you get the most out of your heat pump system. You can trust them to only recommend necessary repairs or upgrades because they only want the best for you!