5 Top Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Heat Pump
The fact that the Seattle area rarely gets overly cold or hot means a heat pump is one of the best options you have for both heating and cooling your home. The only real downside to having a heat pump is that it will typically have a slightly shorter lifespan than traditional HVAC units like air conditioners and furnaces that only work for part of the year instead of all year long. Nonetheless, you can potentially get 15 years of life or more out of a heat pump just by following these basic steps.
1. Change the Air Filter Frequently
One of the main reasons that heat pumps fail the unit’s performance since it reduces the amount of air coming into the system and thus the amount of conditioned air it puts out. That means you end up with longer run times and increased wear and tear. The system has also to work harder to keep the house at the right temperature, and this increased strain can sometimes lead to a fatal breakdown.
The fact that a heat pump in our area usually won’t need to run all that much in summer or winter means you will usually only need to put a new filter in every 60 to 90 days. Nonetheless, you’re always best off checking the filter every few weeks so that you can be certain you’re changing it often enough. As soon as it has started to change colors and looks gray or black, you should throw it out and put in a replacement.
You also want to make sure you’re using the right filter for your unit. If the filter isn’t efficient enough, more dust will get drawn into the air handler and eventually lead to the system performing poorly and experiencing more strain. Using a filter that’s too efficient is equally as bad since it will restrict airflow and essentially create the same issues you get when the filter is too dirty. Both of these reasons are why it’s a good idea to consult with a professional HVAC technician so that you can be certain what type of filter and what filter rating is best for your heat pump system.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
One of the easiest ways to reduce the workload and strain on your heat pump is just to keep your heating set to a slightly lower temperature and your AC set a few degrees higher. That generally means setting the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees during the winter and no lower than 74 degrees during the summer. This way, your heat pump won’t run as long or as often and should last a bit longer.
In terms of your temperature settings, the other thing you should make sure to do is program your thermostat to different temperatures at different times of the day. There’s simply no point in heating or cooling your house to the same temperature you normally do during the times when no one is there or everyone is asleep. Not only will it make your system run much more than necessary and experience more wear and tear, but it will also result in your energy bills being higher than they need to be. That’s why you want to set your thermostat so that the temperature automatically turns up or down at these times.
3. Control Your Heat Pump With a Smart Thermostat
If you have a manual thermostat or a standard programmable one, replacing it with a Wi-Fi smart thermostat can also help protect the life of your heat pump. On average, a quality smart thermostat will improve the energy efficiency of your unit by around 10%. The increased efficiency means your heat pump will run less and not experience the same amount of yearly wear and tear as it would otherwise.
The best smart thermostats have various advanced features that make them far superior to traditional thermostats. For instance, ENERGY STAR-rated units are required to have a feature that lets you check the energy usage of your HVAC system through the app so that you can continually see how efficiently the system is working. This feature can also give you suggestions on changes you can make to your settings to decrease how much your heat pump runs and make your system more energy efficient. The best smart thermostats can even continually adjust the settings on their own so that the system constantly operates as efficiently as possible.
4. Get Any Issues Fixed Promptly
Another major mistake some people make is putting off having their heat pump repaired when it has any issues or stops working as effectively as it should. Any issues with an HVAC system often have a snowball effect that leads to additional problems that further decrease performance and increase wear and tear. Some issues, like a failed capacitor or an electrical problem, can also put the compressor in your heat pump at risk of failing or burning out. In that case, you may have no option other than to replace the entire unit. The compressor can also potentially burn out if there’s an issue that leads to your heat pump frequently overheating. By monitoring your heat pump’s performance along with your energy bills, you should be able to tell fairly easily when it stops working as effectively as it’s supposed to. That way, you can then get it inspected promptly and the issue fixed before it leads to something worse.
5. Schedule Twice-Yearly Maintenance Services
Any HVAC system should generally be maintained and inspected by a professional twice a year to ensure that it both heats and cools effectively. This frequency is especially important for a heat pump system due to how much use it gets throughout the year. Certain tasks, like cleaning both of the system’s coils, are critical for keeping everything working effectively. When performing the heating tune-up and inspection, the technician will also be able to identify any problems that may be limiting the system’s performance or components that are starting to wear out. They should then be able to fix any problems then and there so that your heat pump continues to work throughout the year and doesn’t experience undue wear and tear. The simple fact is, if you don’t keep every part of your heat pump system well maintained, you should expect that it won’t last for as long as it otherwise would.
Since 1987, Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning has been helping our customers in Seattle and other parts of western Washington with all of their HVAC needs. Our expert technicians have experience maintaining and repairing all brands and models of heat pumps and have what it takes to ensure your system lasts as long as possible. If we install a heat pump for you, we’ll make sure everything is perfect and your system can last the test of time. In addition, we handle electrical work, plumbing services, and indoor air quality improvements.
To schedule an inspection, maintenance appointment, or any other service, contact us today.
