5 Ways to Get Your Heat Pump Ready for Winter
As days grow shorter and leaves start to turn, your heat pump kicks into high gear. We all want warm and toasty homes in the winter, and there are steps we can take to ensure that our heat pumps are operating optimally. Read on to learn about preventative measures you can take to keep your heat pump running smoothly and efficiently all winter long.
Before winter weather sets in, you should take the following five steps.
1. Clear the Area Around Your Heat Pump
Branches, leaves, yard waste bags, snow, and other debris within two feet of your heat pump can cause reduced airflow. Remove these items to ensure maximum airflow and efficiency. This is something you will want to do throughout the winter, particularly after heavy winds and snows.
2. Protect Your Heat Pump from Winter Weather
In all seasons, your heat pump should remain unobstructed so air can circulate properly. However, during the winter you should place a cover over your heat pump to block snow and ice. Covers are usually available from the heat pump manufacturer, and these are probably your best bet since they are designed to facilitate heat pump performance.
3. Change Your Filter
Dirty filters block airflow through your HVAC system, and this is why you should check your filters monthly, and change them when they are dirty. Dirty filters will cause your heat pump to overwork, use more energy, and raise your utility bills. Regularly checking and changing your filters, particularly at a time of year when you know your system will be busy, is the easiest thing you can do to facilitate strong airflow and quality performance.
4. Switch Your Thermostat Settings
Your heat pump has three different thermostat settings: heat, cool, and emergency heat. When fall weather starts to turn crisp, make sure that you switch your thermostat to the heat mode (and not emergency heat). The emergency heat mode uses your furnace as your heat source, and it should only be used when temperatures drop below freezing.
5. Schedule Maintenance
You should have your heat pump system serviced annually, and ideally before winter sets in. You want to make sure that your system is in good working order before you really need it, after all.
Annual maintenance can help prevent up to 90% of malfunctions caused by dirt or dust. It will also find any leaks or loose fittings that need to be repaired, thus improving your system’s efficiency and extending the life of your equipment.
Get Expert Heat Pump Services in the Twin Cities Metro Area
If it’s time for your heat pump’s yearly service, and you are located in the Twin Cities Metro Area, we here at Quality Systems Heating and Cooling would love to be of service. Whether we installed your heat pump or not, we would be honored to help you make sure it’s functioning well before winter snow and ice are upon us.
Contact us today to schedule a heat pump maintenance appointment. We bring three generations of experience to our HVAC business, and we are leading advocates and installers of heat pumps in Minnesota. At Quality Systems Heating and Cooling, we guarantee kind and responsive customer service and quality workmanship!