Routine maintenance of any equipment is the only way to extend its life and keep it in top working order. Your heat pump is no different. It works non-stop throughout the year to keep your home comfortable. Definitely, you need to ensure that it receives care in the form of regular maintenance for optimum operations. Many times we receive calls from clients asking about when to get the tune-up done. So, today’s post is dedicated to answering when and how many times the heat pump tune-up is recommended.
Heat Pump Tune-Up Frequency
Usually, the air conditioner works during the summer and the furnace during the winter. Hence each of these units needs servicing just once a year, which is before the season sets in. The heat pump is a little different because it performs both the functions of heating and cooling. It works throughout the year and rarely ever gets any resting time. As such, its maintenance requirement is twice more. So, where the regular AC and furnace require an annual tune-up, the heat pump requires a semi-annual tune-up.
The Best Time For Heat Pump Tune-Up
The first tune-up of the heat pump should be scheduled prior to the setting in of the hot season. Spring is an ideal time for it as one can easily stay without cooling for a couple of hours because the weather is still not warm enough. A tune-up at this time will ensure that the equipment is able to cool your home efficiently without suffering any breakdown during the height of the summer season.
The second tune-up of the heat pump should be slated just before the winters. Fall is the best time for it. Again because at this time, the weather is pleasant and you and your family can stay without the warmth without any inconvenience. In turn, this little caring will ensure that your abode stays warm and cozy throughout the winters.
Should I Get A Heat Pump Tune-Up Now?
To err is human. We forget, and there is no shame in accepting it. Some of us have such busy schedules that the heat pump tune-up my get lost in the long list of things to do. So anytime is a good time for a tune-up. The only disadvantage is that you may have to bear a few hours of discomfort and pay a slightly elevated price for the tune-up. Forgetting to get it done on time does not mean that you now have to forgo it all together until the next season. It just means that you may not be able to take advantage of off-season discounts and priority service.
What Does A Heat Pump Tune-Up Involve?
During the heat pump tune-up, a detailed inspection of the complete unit is conducted. Ducts and filters are checked, and blower and indoor coil are cleaned. The electric terminals are given a once over. If found necessary, the connections are tightened and cleaned. The moving parts are greased or lubricated to reduce friction and make movement smooth. In short, the steps involved are geared towards taking care of all those possibilities that may lead to downtime.
Benefits Of Heat Pump tune-Up
1. Energy Efficiency – As the heat pump runs continuously, it suffers from wear and tear. As a result, its efficiency drops. Though that does not mean you have to accept the fact and live with it. Scheduling timely maintenance of the heat pump is the best way to recover most of the lost energy efficiency. If you pay close attention, it is easy to see that those homeowners who don’t invest in the maintenance of their heating and cooling equipment pay more in terms of energy bills. Compared to them, those who ensure and stick to the timely maintenance schedule have far lower energy bills.
2. Less Downtime – Maintenance is the key to getting the most out of the heat pump. Since most things that can cause downtime are taken care of during the tune-up, there is no fear of unnecessary breakdowns. You reap the benefits of an investment well made and well maintained.
3. No Need For Expensive Repairs – With a proper maintenance schedule, if problems do crop up, they are usually not significant. Minor repairs will have your system up and running like nobody’s business. Expensive repairs are a thing of the past, but for that, the tune-up has to be timely, thorough, and carried out by HVAC professionals.
4. Increases the Life Of The Unit – It’s a time-proven fact that anything that is well cared for has an extended life span compared to that which isn’t. A unit that gets regular tune-up suffers bare minimum wear and tear. Any damage to it is also limited, and so it runs efficiently for longer. Needless to say, maintenance guarantees the safety and longevity of your investment.
Always Get Tune-Up Done By HVAC Professionals
It may seem to you that the HVAC contractors are available a dime a dozen. This is where you are wrong. Professionally trained and licensed contractors are few; the rest are those who are out to scam the innocent public. These scam artists or so-called technicians have a simple plan. They quote a price that is way below what professionals charge. And you land up thinking why to pay more when you can get the same thing done for less. This is exactly what the scammers are banking on. Remember, not utilizing the services of a professional contractor can cause more harm to your heat pump. These mediocre contractors do not have the expertise to handle such specialized equipment. Their ignorance might as well write off your unit.
If you live in West Palm Beach, Florida, it is time to call the air experts at Aztil Air Conditioning. Our elite team of trained and experienced technicians will perform a thorough tune-up of your heat pump. To schedule an appointment, call at +1-888-729-8452.
