Maintaining and Servicing Heat Pumps

Heat-pump performance will deteriorate without regular maintenance and service. The difference between the energy consumption of a well-maintained heat pump and a severely neglected one ranges from 10 to 25 percent.

Regular Maintenance

·         Clean or replace filters regularly (every 2 to 6 months, depending on operating time and amount of dust in the environment).

·         Clean outdoor coils as often as necessary (when dirt is visible on the outside of the coil).

·         Remove plant life and debris from around the outdoor unit.

·         Clean evaporator coil and condensate pan every 2 to 4 years.

·         Clean the blower's fan blades.

·         Clean supply and return registers and straighten their fins.

Professional Service

·         Inspect ducts, filters, blower, and indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions.

·         Diagnose and seal duct leakage.

·         Verify adequate airflow by measurement.

·         Verify correct refrigerant charge by measurement.

·         Check for refrigerant leaks.

·         Inspect electric terminals, and if necessary, clean and tighten connections, and apply nonconductive coating.

·         Lubricate motors, and inspect belts for tightness and wear.

·         Verify correct electric control, making sure that heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa. · Verify correct thermostat operation.

http://www.eren.doe.gov/erec/factsheets/airheatpump.html