Heat Pump Service & Maintenance Tips

What is Checked During Heat Pump Service 

During a routine maintenance service call, your dealer will likely evaluate your home’s heat pump system performance while the thermostat is set in various modes of operation. This will help to determine its condition and whether repairs or adjustments are needed. Then they will shut off electrical power to execute a number of cleaning and inspection tasks. Maintenance services will vary from contractor to contractor, but most HVAC dealers will perform similar tasks as part of a standard “clean and check” appointment, including to:

1. Check refrigerant charge levels and air flow, check for refrigerant leaks
2. Make sure all electrical connections are sound and components are working properly
3. Check for secure physical connections of individual parts
4. Check the run capacitor for bulging and/or unusual markings or color
5. Check and clean the outdoor unit & coil
6. Check & inspect the reversing valve
7. Test the defrost cycle
8. Check the auxiliary heating system and test for heating in defrost mode
9. Check indoor coil for blockage and apply self-rinsing cleaner when possible
10. Check and clean the condensate drainage system
11. Clean and adjust blower components in the air handler unit
12. Check the air filter, and replace or clean, if needed

When the service is complete, many contractors will provide a written summary of the inspections and tests completed along with results and recommendations. In some cases, needed repairs may be completed on the spot.

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners 

 

3 Benefits of Preventative Heat Pump Service

Consider regular air conditioner or heat pump maintenance to be part of a complete home improvement plan. Proper heat pump maintenance can benefit you in a number of ways:

1. Increase Energy Efficiency

Without getting too technical, your heat pump relies on a large coil in the outdoor unit and second coil inside your home to provide heat transfer for both heating and cooling your home.

The outdoor coil is exposed to the elements year-in and year-out, accumulating dirt, debris and other pollutants, especially when it is wet from either weather or the heating and cooling process.

The indoor coil is located in or on your indoor air handler unit (either a furnace or fan coil). It can attract airborne pollutants such as dust, mold spores or pet dander because of condensation associated with air conditioning and heating your home.

Both coils operate most efficiently when they are clean and free from buildup of dirt and debris. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, dirty coils can cause your system to work harder to keep up with heating and cooling demand, decreasing efficiency and increasing stress on fans, motors and other system components.

Keeping the system’s air filter clean and replacing it regularly can also aid efficient performance. Dirty, clogged air filters can restrict airflow, resulting in reduced comfort, higher utility bills and, in more extreme cases, a total shutdown of the system. Learn more about how to replace air filters and how often to change air filters.

2. Reduce Wear & Tear

Common Issues Found During a Professional Heat Pump Service

A malfunctioning heat pump can result from a myriad of issues. Three commonly reported issues include:

• Heat pump frozen – In winter, a frozen heat pump might be the result of the defrost cycle not working, the outdoor fan not working, low refrigerant charge, the outdoor unit being physically blocked, or water dripping onto the unit and freezing. A frozen heat pump won’t heat, and worse, can lead to severe damage or failure if allowed to operate. During summer, a freeze up can happen on the indoor coil, or copper line leading to the compressor as a result of a low refrigerant issue, a clogged air filter or extremely dirty coils.
• Running constantly – In winter, check the thermostat to be sure the heat pump isn’t set for cooling. Other reasons may be a frozen outdoor coil, a compressor problem or a dirty and poorly maintained unit. In summer, check to be sure the system is not in heating mode. Other issues may be triple-digit temperatures, refrigerant leakage, or a dirty/clogged coil or air filter.
• Blowing cold on heat mode – Check to see the thermostat wasn’t changed to AC/cool mode. If not, the problem might be low refrigerant charge, or a reversing valve or compressor issue. It could also be the result of poor maintenance and a dirty/clogged coil.
• Heat pump not heating or cooling - For insight on why your heat pump is not providing the comfort you expect, and what to do about it.

If you are experiencing any of the above, we recommend contacting a professional Carrier HVAC technician for heat pump service. For more information and/or help with troubleshooting, take a look at our additional resources about heat pump troubleshooting.

Find Heat Pump Maintenance Near Me

If you don’t already have a heat pump service professional performing regularly scheduled maintenance on your system, finding one is easy! Our Carrier HVAC dealer locator can help get you matched with a qualified technician in your area for heat pump maintenance or heat pump service. Keeping your system running is important for your comfort and your system’s efficiency and longevity, so don’t delay.