The warm summer weather will have a very noticeable impact on your indoor comfort if your cooling system is not properly calibrated. That is why it is always recommended to have your heat pump inspected and tuned up before summer begins.
Much like AC maintenance, heat pump maintenance is crucial to your system’s efficiency. While heat pumps today are designed to be energy-efficient, you won’t be able to maximize their benefits if you use them incorrectly. Misusing your heat pump could mean warm and uncomfortable indoor spaces, indoor air quality issues, and high energy costs.
Fortunately, Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating knows many heats pump dos and don’ts to help you understand the best ways to maximize cooling, reduce utility costs and enjoy a cool summer at home!
Do’s
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Be proactive when it comes to the heat pump and AC repair and maintenance as these services will cost you less in the long run. Failure to provide your heat pump with regular care and upkeep will make the unit more prone to damage, frequent repairs, or even early replacement, which can be a lot more expensive than regular maintenance.
Regular tune-ups and upkeep can also extend the lifespan of your heat pump and maintain superior efficiency, even on the hottest days. During a maintenance visit, the technician will check the unit’s gas levels, remove outdoor compressor debris, and clean internal components. Make sure to work with certified, reliable, and experienced heat pump specialists like those at Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating. Remember that only qualified technicians should perform maintenance or repairs to your heat pump.
Limit the Space You Are Trying to Cool
Your heat pump can cool a smaller space more quickly, so it needs to run for a shorter time. If you want to reduce your heat pump’s energy use, reduce the amount of space you are trying to cool. You can do this by cooling only spaces that are being used. If you have a larger space to cool — for instance, if you have an open floor plan — it’s best to consult AC replacement specialists regarding the most efficient cooling system for your home.
Close Your Curtains
Windows offer several benefits, including natural lighting and heat gain in winter. Unfortunately, the heat that passes through window glass can make your space much warmer in summer, causing your heat pump to work harder and consume more energy. To prevent solar heat from affecting your indoor temperature, heat pump and AC maintenance experts suggest closing your curtains or blinds. This will trap some of the heat between the window and curtain, which will keep the room from getting too warm. Closing your curtains will also help keep the cooled air in your space.
Use Timers
Split and ducted systems usually have timer functions that allow you to control when the unit will shut down or switch on. A sleep timer is especially useful because it enables you to program your heat pump to cool a room only for a certain amount of time, keeping your unit from running all night.
Don’ts
Forget to Clean Your Filters
Clean filters ensure your unit is operating efficiently by allowing for proper airflow. Dirty filters make it difficult for air to pass through the system, causing your unit to work harder and less efficiently. This also causes extra strain on your heat pump, which could lead to HVAC issues or damage. To avoid expensive repairs and early AC replacement, see to it that your filters are cleaned regularly. You can check the user manual to help you locate the filters in your system and determine whether to replace or clean them.
Ignore Drafts
If you notice warm drafts even when your doors and windows are closed, you can cover up any gaps underneath your doors using door snakes. You should also check the seals around your windows and caulk any gaps where outside air can pass through. Drafts may seem insignificant, but they add up and make it harder for your heat pump to cool your space.
If your doors and windows are particularly old or worn, replacing them could be a good idea. Talk to experts about your concern so that they can help you find the best energy efficiency solutions.
Use the AUTO Mode
You may think that your heat pump’s AUTO mode is the most efficient setting, but this is a common misconception among homeowners. AUTO mode will unnecessarily switch the settings between heating and cooling, further increasing your energy bills. During summer, make sure your heat pump is set to cool. In winter, your unit should be set to heat. These settings are most efficient for your heat pump.
Leave Your Heating System Cranked Up
If you keep your old heating system cranked up, it will compete with your heat pump — using up more energy and costing you more money. When using your heat pump in a particular room, remember to turn the old thermostat 10 degrees lower than you’re used to. Doing this will turn the old system into your backup heat source. If the space becomes chilly, it’s OK to turn up the old thermostat for a while. When installing a new heat pump, you should consider adding integrated controls too so that you can eliminate the need to adjust the thermostat.
Ensuring the regular maintenance of your heat pump is vital for efficient cooling during the summer months. For a comprehensive understanding of your heat pump’s functionality, including its defrost cycle, you can refer to our in depth guide.
Cool Zone Air Conditioning & Heating can provide you with the most dependable heat pump and AC repair, maintenance, and installation services. Our decades of industry experience and proven methods ensure consistently top-notch services and workmanship. Call us at (623) 777-3881 or fill out this contact form for a free consultation.
