Home Heat Pump Service & Repair Technician Services

When Will I See My Home Heat Pump Service and Repair Technician?

For many homeowners, one of the last people they want to see is their heat pump repair technician. We’re not offended. Because we know that the homeowner often thinks this means something isn’t working. Emergency repairs can be a drag.

But you should know that it’s not always the case that your heat pump service and repair technician shows up only in emergency situations. In fact, proper maintenance of your heat pump is crucial in saving you money in the long term and ensuring the longevity of your equipment. If you keep on top of the maintenance of your home HVAC system – just like any other part of your home – you’ll be way ahead of the game.

The key things to know for a homeowner are that a heat pump’s filter should be changed approximately once a month if used on a regular basis, and that fans and coils should be kept clean and debris kept out of the unit. These are basic maintenance steps that can be learned by you, the homeowner. However, you should also have your heat pump properly inspected and serviced by a professional every year or two to ensure optimum efficiency and a safe operation.

Common Problems Seen By Homeowners Regarding Their Heat Pumps

Some common problems homeowners may encounter with their heat pumps include low airflow, noisy ducts, issues with reaching proper temperatures, and noises like rattles, squeaks, or grinding, among other nuisances. These issues should be paid attention to right away and not ignored.

Before calling a heat pump service and repair technician, however, you can try some simple steps. First, you can try resetting the thermostat. Also, make sure you don’t have a blown fuse or have tripped the circuit breaker. Check for any different sounds the equipment may be making, as well as check that the thermostat is working correctly. If the filter is dirty, or hasn’t been changed in a while, make sure to change it. Ensure there are no blockages in airflow.

That said, you should know that if you are not mechanically inclined, it is best not to attempt any maintenance tasks on your system. Heat pumps are complex pieces of equipment. In addition, they contain hazardous materials, and serious injuries can occur if you don’t know exactly what you are doing. A home heat pump service and repair technician is trained in safety and knows their product well. If you are not confident that you know what you are doing, it is best to leave it to the professionals.

Basic Maintenance for Your Heat Pump

Regular maintenance with respect to your heat pump filter and coils makes a significant difference on your unit’s performance and on the life of the equipment. When filters, coils and fans are dirty, airflow is reduced through the system. This reduces the overall performance of the system and can ultimately lead to compressor damage. You want to avoid this scenario. That’s because when the system is forced to run at sub-optimal levels for long time periods, the stress on the system can cause serious long-term problems.

As noted above, filters should be inspected monthly and depending on the condition, replaced or cleaned. Coils need to be vacuumed or brushed regularly, and the outdoor coil can also be cleaned.

Your service and repair technician can inspect the fan and lubricate it as needed. This should ideally be done annually so that proper airflow is supplied to the system. Also to ensure optimal airflow, ductwork needs to be inspected and cleaned.

A job that the homeowner can do is to ensure that vents and registers are not blocked by anything to obstruct airflow. This means that furniture, carpets, and other household items should be moved away so that the flow of air is free and clear.

Your service and repair technician can also check the refrigerant level and make any needed electrical or mechanical adjustments. Heat pumps are sophisticated pieces of equipment and need to be accorded the proper respect when it comes to servicing and maintenance. Doing so ensures that the system stays as efficient as possible and saves you more money in the long term.

What Kind of Operating Costs Can I Expect From My Heat Pump?

Many homeowners choose to install a heat pump due to lower energy costs as compared to other heating systems. This is particularly true for electric or oil heating systems.

Estimates put the use of a heat pump at savings of up to 20-50% less energy to heat and cool your home.

Keep in mind, however, that potential savings depend on quite a few factors. For instance, what energy source are you currently using? Electricity, oil, propane, or natural gas all have different costs depending on the area you live on. Using a heat pump will of course mean that you will use less gas or oil, but more electricity.

To really see your savings in operating costs, you would need to cost out how much of a time period is needed to pay back the investment of installing a heat pump. It’s important to remember, though, that by installing a heat pump you now have access to both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer – without the use of a costly air conditioner.

What About the Lifespan of a Heat Pump?

Typically a heat pump has a service life of anywhere between 10 and 20 years, depending on the type, model, and general upkeep of the unit. Ground source heat pumps, which typically have a higher upfront installation cost, have an even longer longevity than air source heat pumps.

Note that an air source heat pump functions by taking the ambient heat from the outside air and moving it indoors, whereas a ground source heat pump pumps fluid down through piping into the ground to absorb or transmit heat. The ideal type of heat pump for your home is best discussed with your home heat pump service and repair technician who will look at factors such as soil conditions, location, heating and cooling requirements, and what kind of investment you are willing to make (ground source heat pumps typically have a higher upfront cost).

Most heat pumps are protected by a one year warranty on parts and labour and a five to ten year warranty on the compressor parts. However, warranties depend on the manufacturer, so be sure to discuss this with your heat pump technician, who can advise you of the fine print that differentiates each manufacturer’s warranties.

To discuss your needs with a highly qualified home heat pump service and repair technician, contact SD ATLAS HVAC. We are well-versed in heat pumps and are here to help.