Did you know that heat pump repairs are nearly completely avoidable? When you complete heat pump maintenance steps every month and invest in professional care, you can avoid many common heat pump problems.
You can keep reading to learn more about maintenance steps that can help your heat pump operate at its best all year round. Then give our team a call to schedule your annual maintenance appointment as a way of preventing the need for heat pump repair in Skokie.
Maintain The Air Filter
One of the easiest and most effective things you can do for your heat pump is to change out the air filter on time. When you purchase an air filter, the label will tell you how long it can be in place before needing to be changed out. Some air filters are designed to last a month, while others can be in place for a few months at a time. You can write the current date on the side of the filter so you know when you put it in place.
Then, set a reminder on your phone or calendar to change out the air filter at an appropriate time. We encourage you to set the reminder just a little bit early in case the air filter fills up quickly. Maintaining a clean air filter helps to ensure proper airflow through your heat pump. Having enough airflow is crucial to heat pump operation and can greatly reduce strain on the system.
Clear the Condensate Drain Line
Your next step is to clean out the condensate drain line. When you open the closet to the indoor portion of your heat pump, you should see a pipe sticking up that has a screw-on top. Unscrew it and pour some vinegar into the line. This condensate drain line is where humidity condenses down into droplets and drains outside of your home.
This is part of the cooling process and improves your indoor air quality. When there is less humidity in the air, your home naturally feels a little more comfortable. But since the condensate drain line is a dark moist space, mold growth is a definite possibility. Rinsing out the line with vinegar helps to destroy mold spores, and clear away any clogs that are developing.
When clogs develop in the condensate line, moisture can leak out into your home, causing potential water damage. This water can also re-evaporate into the air, elevating humidity levels and preventing your heat pump from cooling your home as much as it needs to
Pay Attention to Signs of Trouble
It’s also important that you pay close attention to how your heat pump is operating. You should have a pretty good idea of what is normal as far as heat pump operation so that you can identify problems. For example, your heat pump will usually stay on for around 10-15 minutes during a heating or cooling cycle.
Then it will turn back off again and rest for another 10 minutes or so. If your heat pump begins to turn on and stay on for extended periods of time, that’s a red flag. It’s also concerning if your heat pump is turning on and off frequently without ever staying on long enough to complete a cycle.
Other signs to watch for include bad odors and unusual sounds. You should call our team for service anytime you notice your heat pump operating unusually. These red flags are usually an indication that something is going wrong inside your heat pump and needs to be repaired.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for Chicagoland area home services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for heat pump repairs!