Many homeowners in Kiawah Island, SC, use heat pumps, but they don’t know how to maintain these devices properly. As a result, their heat pumps work less efficiently and cost more money to operate. Here are seven common mistakes people make with heat pumps:
Not Scheduling Regular Heat Pump Maintenance
Like any other mechanical system, heat pumps need regular maintenance to run properly. Maintenance includes changing the air filter, checking the refrigerant levels and ensuring all the parts are working correctly. By not scheduling regular maintenance, you’ll shorten the lifespan of your heat pump and waste money in the long run.
You must have a schedule of when to check and replace your air filters. Ideally, you should check yours every month and replace it as needed.
Leaving Your Heat Pump Cranked Up
When you leave your heat pump cranked up, it puts a lot of strain on the system. This can lead to higher utility bills and unnecessary wear and tear on the system. It’s best to set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature at home and then lower it a few degrees when you’re away.
Avoid setting your thermostat too low in the winter and too high in the summer. This will put unnecessary strain on your heat pump and reduce its lifespan.
Ignoring Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises from your heat pump, it’s important to check them immediately. If you ignore the problem, it could lead to more expensive heat pump repairs down the road. Common heat pump noises that you should not ignore include clanking, squealing, grinding and rattling.
These noises indicate problems with different heat pump parts. The best way to determine what’s causing the noise is to contact a professional for an inspection.
Failing to Check the Outdoor Unit
The exposure of the outdoor unit of your heat pump to external elements makes it dirty or damages it over time. External elements such as snow, leaves, dirt and debris can block the airflow and damage the coils. It’s important to check the outdoor unit of your heat pump regularly and to clean it as needed.
Overloading the System
Each heat pump has a specific cooling or heating capacity. Overloading the system by adding too much can cause it to break down. Adding additional appliances, such as space heaters or air conditioners, can overload the system and cause it to fail.
You shouldn’t exceed your heat pump’s recommended cooling or heating capacity. You should consider upgrading to a larger unit if you need additional cooling or heating.
Not Keeping Up With Heat Pump Repairs
Heat pumps are complex machines and require regular repairs. Ensure you schedule repairs whenever the heat pump isn’t functioning as it should. Don’t attempt DIY heat pump repairs. To stay safe and avoid further damage, always hire a trained professional for the job.
Ignoring Leaks
Leaks indicate many concerns, such as cracked coil, loose fittings or low refrigerant levels. Check your heat pump for leaks regularly, and fix them as soon you discover them.
Ignoring leaks can result in serious damage to your heat pump. A damaged heat pump leads to poor performance.
Continuous leakage from heat pumps can cause the system to overwork to maintain the set temperature. This results in increased energy bills and shortens the lifespan of your heat pump.
If you have a heat pump in your home, you can avoid common mistakes people make by following the tips above. You can also consult Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning if you have a system that requires maintenance. We have great expertise in servicing and repairing heat pumps and will be happy to offer you our professional services.
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