What to Expect During Your Heat Pump Tuneup

A heat pump tuneup performed by a licensed HVAC contractor improves the performance of this hard working appliance by reducing its energy consumption and lengthening the operating life of your system. While the work the professional will do varies somewhat depending on the condition of your heat pump, you can expect him to perform these tasks.

Heat pump tune-up tasks

• Checking and changing the air filter for the air handler, if necessary. A clean air filter keeps your system running as efficiently as possible, and if you don’t know where it is or how to change it, ask the contractor how to do it. It needs to be checked monthly and changed when it’s coated with dust. 
• Oiling the motors and checking the belt for wear, adjusting the tension if necessary.
• Inspecting the electrical components inside the indoor air handler and outdoor condenser. They may need to be cleaned and tightened, along with needing nonconductive lubricants. Loose or dirty components drive up your energy bills and can create excessive amounts of heat.
• Cleaning the evaporator coil and the outdoor condensing coil and fins. The coils exchange heat much faster when they’re clean. 
• Measuring the amount of refrigerant in the system is an essential part of the heat pump tuneup because when it’s not at the level the manufacturer specifies, the heat pump won’t run as efficiently. If the level is too low, the evaporator coil in the air handler can freeze over, driving up energy bills. If it continues to run with a frozen coil, other parts of the heat pump may be seriously damaged. The technician will find the leak, seal it, and add the precise amount of coolant the heat pump requires.
• Evaluating the soundness of the ductwork and sealing any leaks. Ducts can loosen any time and leaks drive up energy use while degrading your indoor air quality.
• Testing the accuracy of the thermostat and recalibrating, if necessary. 

To learn more about a heat pump, contact Brennan’s Heating & Air, providing HVAC services for Woodbridge, VA.