By Brian Gray
It is estimated that within the next five 5 years, 1 in every 3 Vermont residences will have an air-source heat pump installed to provide heating and cooling comfort in their homes. That's over 80,000 heat pumps!
If you're not familiar with heat pumps, quite simply they are an energy efficient heating and cooling device that uses a compressor and the air from the outside to heat and/or cool your home.
A heat pump is also designed to help purify the air in your home by filtering out mold, dust and debris. Over time, these elements can build up in the filters and internal components. Many homeowners don't realize that it is important to regularly inspect and maintain both the indoor and outdoor elements to keep them functioning efficiently and safely.
There are steps that homeowners can take to keep their heat pump running efficiently and producing the most efficient heating and cooling volume. The Energy Co-op recommends:
- Clean the filters - Clean the air filters in your indoor unit regularly. Remove any dirt buildup on the air filters by using the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner, or rinse with lukewarm water. To dry, use a soft dry cloth or place in the shade.
- Inspect and clean the outdoor unit - Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, ice, debris, and vegetation. Look for and remove rodent or insect activity. Listen for smooth fan operation – it should not be rattling or hitting something. Rinse off the unit with the garden hose regularly to keep the build up of dirt and debris to a minimum.
- Schedule a periodic professional inspection and cleaning - A professional cleaning of your heat pump is a good investment. It will keep your system working safely and at its maximum efficiency, which can often translate to savings on your electric bill.
There are two key benefits of keeping your heat pump system in tip-top shape:
- Efficiency - Your heat pump is constantly working to purify the air in your home by capturing dust and debris. Over time, these particles can clog up your filters and gum up the blower that is circulating the air. Cleaning the dust and debris restores your heat pump to full cooling & heating capacity.
- Healthy Indoor Air Quality - One of the most common problems is mold growth inside the heat pump. Heat pumps can easily be exposed to moisture and high humidity levels. Mold loves moisture and if it starts to grow in your heat pump it can easily spread throughout the home and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
The Energy Co-op offers a full maintenance and cleaning service to ensure your system runs safely and efficiently. The cost for the service is $150 per indoor unit and includes:
- Inspect filters, blower, and indoor coil for dirt, obstructions, or damage
- Clean the indoor coil and drain pan on each unit
- Flush and clean the drain line
- Inspect electrical wiring, clean, and tighten connections as needed
- Test thermostat/remote control operation
- Clean and inspect the outdoor coil and base pan
Heat pumps are a great advancement in heating and cooling technology, but like a traditional furnace or boiler, regular maintenance is needed to keep them running at peak performance.
To schedule a heat pump cleaning, call us at 802-860-4090 or click the button below.
