Heat pumps doubly serve your home as both a heating system and air conditioner. As you'll use this equipment year-round, it's best to schedule routine tuneups to prevent inefficiencies that lead to an uncomfortable home, as well as higher energy consumption and utility costs. To take better care of your investment, here's a guide to how often to schedule maintenance and what to expect during the appointments. 

When Should You Schedule Heat Pump Tune-Ups?

Because the heat pump is used frequently, it's best to schedule two tune-ups each year. One maintenance check should take place in spring, and the other should occur in the fall. During a spring appointment, an HVAC contractor will ensure components work correctly to prevent breakdowns and energy-draining malfunctions when you use the system's cooling mode in summer. To optimize heating efficiency in winter, the heat pump should be serviced in mid or late autumn, depending on when temperatures begin to drop in your region.

What Happens During a Tuneup?

During the tune-up, technicians will perform various tasks to maximize heat pump performance. They'll change the filter to maintain proper air flow, so parts don't work harder and overheat. A clean filter also traps dust, which prevents the damaging particles from accumulating on key components of the machine. Professionals will also clean the evaporator coil, outdoor condensing coil, and fins to remove any grime buildup that will affect efficiency. 

Technicians lubricate motors, inspect the belt and additional parts for wear, and replace the damaged mechanisms, too. They'll also replace frayed wiring and tighten loose connections in the air handler and outdoor condenser to prevent short cycling and electrical fires. Recharging refrigerant is part of the process as well, as heat can't move from one set of coils to another when levels are low.

To ensure your heat pump is ready for summer and winter, contact the staff at Parker's Heating & Cooling in Cairo, GA. For over 25 years, the licensed, insured crew has been the go-to source for cooling and heating system repairs and installation in southern Georgia and northern Florida. Learn about financing options for HVAC services online, read client reviews on Facebook, and call (229) 377-9129 to arrange a consultation.