May 16, 2019
As heat pump installation experts serving York, Cumberland, and Sagadahoc Counties in Maine, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners is “What do I need to do in terms of maintenance?”
Heat pumps are ultra energy efficient and require little in the way of maintenance, making them a cost-effective and convenient option for keeping your home comfortable. That said, a little regular attention goes a long way in maintaining the efficiency of your system and extending its lifespan.
Why Is Mini Split Maintenance Important?
A heat pump is an important investment that you make in your home. Regular maintenance helps you protect your investment and extend the life of your system, thereby maximizing benefits like:
Greater energy efficiency
Lower annual heating costs
Better indoor air quality
Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
Greater energy independence
What Could Happen If I Put Off Maintenance?
Putting off maintenance can do more damage than you might expect. For starters, if the air filters in the indoor units become clogged with dust and dirt, they will lose their ability to keep your indoor air clean. Clogged air filters also force your heat pump system to work harder to keep your home comfortable, reducing efficiency and driving up your energy bills.
Regular maintenance by a professional also allows you to catch minor heat pump issues to prevent surprise breakdowns or costly repairs down the road.
How to Maintain Your Mini Split Unit This Spring
Spring is a great time to check up on your heat pump system and make sure it is running as smoothly as possible. Some steps are best handled by a professional, while others are simple steps you can do yourself, like:
Clean the air filters
Cleaning the air filters in your indoor heat pump unit helps improve efficiency and maintain healthy indoor air quality. This usually involves removing two screens which have a paper filter and a blue ion filter attached to them. Screens and ion filters may be rinsed in the sink, while paper filters should be vacuumed. (Be sure all screens and filters are thoroughly dry before you reinstall them.)
Keep in mind that filters should be checked at least once a month. Set a reminder on your phone, or ask your voice-activated home device (Google, Alexa, Echo etc.) to remind you so you don’t forget!
Vacuum all vents and registers
It’s also important to ensure all indoor units have clear airflow. Now is a good time to dust all vents and registers with a soft vacuum attachment. Also be sure that no furniture or other household items are blocking airflow.
Other maintenance should be serviced by a professional, at least once per year. We recommend heat pump owners keep a standing annual appointment for service checkup in the early spring or late summer.