As the temperature starts to drop, you might be relying on your heat pump to keep your home warm and cozy. However, regular heat pump maintenance is vital to your system’s performance, especially during extreme weather months like hot summers and freezing winters. If you’ve skipped your bi-annual maintenance appointment, you could be setting yourself up for a lot of problems. In this blog, we will discuss what happens if you don’t clean your heat pump and why a heat pump tune-up is so important.

Why Is a Heat Pump Tune-Up Necessary?

A properly maintained heat pump is essential to allow your heating and cooling system to continue to function properly. Since these HVAC systems operate throughout the year, regular usage leads to wear and tear on the heat pump’s interior components such as fan blades, filters, condenser pumps, and compressors, all of which necessitate maintenance. Regular tune-ups can help prevent breakdowns, prolong the life of your system, and ensure that your heat pump functions optimally, saving you time and money on energy bills as well as costly repairs or replacements in the long run.

Do Heat Pumps Require More Maintenance?

First, let’s discuss why heat pumps need more maintenance than a furnace alone. Unlike traditional furnaces that only operate during the heating season, heat pumps can be used year-round for both heating and cooling. Because they run throughout the year and don’t get much of a break, they need more maintenance than a furnace that rests half the year. Both furnaces and air conditioners require one tune-up per year – because a heat pump does both functions, it requires two tune-ups each year.

When you think about it, a furnace and air conditioner also should each be maintained once a year, which results in two maintenance appointments. A heat pump needs two maintenance appointments since it provides both heating and cooling functions to your home. In the end, the total maintenance of either setup is the same.

What Can Happen If You Don’t Schedule a Heat Pump Tune-Up

Now that we understand why scheduling a heat pump tune-up is so important, let’s discuss what can happen if you neglect it. Here are some of the most common issues homeowners can experience if they don’t perform regular heat pump tune-ups:

  • Reduced Efficiency: When your heat pump is dirty or its parts become worn out, the system has to work harder to keep up with demand. This means that it will consume more energy to operate, leading to higher energy bills. You can help prevent build-up by changing out your dirty filter on a regular basis. Regular filter changes can prevent restricted airflow, which can strain your system. Your HVAC system will work better and result in lower energy bills if you change your air filter every 30-90 days.
  • Decreased Comfort: If your heat pump is not functioning correctly, it may not be able to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. You may find yourself feeling too hot or too cold, and your system may be constantly turning on and off.
  • Increased Repairs: Regular HVAC unit maintenance can help catch small issues before they become serious problems. Neglecting maintenance can lead to more frequent breakdowns, requiring costly repairs.
  • Shortened Lifespan: Heat pumps that are not maintained regularly will not last as long as they should. The average lifespan of a heat pump is around 10-15 years, but this can be significantly shortened if a regular heat pump tune-up is not performed.
  • Poor Air Quality: Overtime, dust, and grime fill up your heat pump system and can cause it to slow down. If you notice excessive dust around your home, there’s also a chance there are many airborne particles and other contaminants in the air you breathe that you can’t see. Following a tune-up appointment, the air coming from your heat pump will be much cleaner, and you’ll notice a difference!
  • Safety Risks: A regular heat pump tune-up can also help ensure that your heat pump is operating safely. Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues with electrical problems, or even outages that leave you without a reliable heating source when outdoor temperatures are dangerously low.

As you can see, neglecting your heat pump maintenance can lead to a host of problems that can be both costly and dangerous. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to schedule regular heat pump tune-ups with a professional HVAC company.

What Happens During A Heat Pump Maintenance Appointment?

During a heat pump tune-up, a trained technician will inspect your system thoroughly and perform any necessary repairs or cleanings. They will clean your coils, change your air filter, clean dirty coils, and check for refrigerant leaks and electrical connections to ensure that your system is running optimally. If your home has an indoor unit like a ductless mini split, that can also be inspected.

At Doc Dancer Heating & Air, we understand how important it is to keep your home comfortable and safe. We understand that regular maintenance for your heat pump might not be at the top of your mind. This is why we take the stress off remembering to schedule an appointment with our maintenance plans. Our team will let you know when your maintenance for your heat pump is due and we’ll create an appointment around your schedule. Talk to Doc Dancer to sign up today.

Schedule Your Fort Wayne Heat Pump Tune-Up Today

Your heat pump is an essential part of your home’s heating and cooling system. Neglecting your heat pump maintenance can lead to a host of problems, including reduced efficiency, decreased comfort, increased repairs, shortened lifespan, and safety risks. To avoid these problems, be sure to schedule regular heat pump tune-ups with Doc Dancer Heating & Air. With our help, you can keep your heat pump running efficiently and safely for many years to come. Contact us today and book your next heat pump tune-up!