Do heat pumps need servicing?
As with any heating or cooling system, a heat pumps benefits from routine preventative maintenance. For example, according to energy.gov, the difference in energy consumption between a well-maintained heat pump and a neglected one ranges from 10% to 25%.
Routine heat pump maintenance helps keep the system performing efficiently. It also helps prevent damage to the compressor and other components, to protect your heating and cooling investment.
So in addition to maintaining heat pump system reliability, routine service reduces the risk of unexpected (and potentially costly) repairs.
Absorption Heat Pumps
A relatively new type of heat pump for residential systems is the absorption heat pump (AHP), also called a gas-fired heat pump. Absorption heat pumps use heat or thermal energy as their energy source, and can be driven with a wide variety of heat sources such as combustion of natural gas, steam solar-heated water, air or geothermal-heated water, and therefore are different from compression heat pumps that are driven by mechanical energy. AHPs are more complex and require larger units compared to compression heat pumps. The lower electricity demand of such it is related to the liquid pumping only.
Heat Pump Maintenance
- Check air filters monthly. Clean or replace as needed.
- Keep outdoor unit clear of snow, ice, and debris. This includes the top, sides, bottom, and around the heat pump.
- Keep the outdoor coils clean. If they get dirty you can use a heavy duty degreaser and hose them down. Just turn the unit off first.
- Keep shrubs pruned back at least 18 inches from all sides of the heat pump to allow for proper airflow and servicing.
- Flush the indoor condensate pan and drain in Spring before using the air conditioning. This is extremely important if the unit is above or in a finished living area, but should really be done by a trained service technician.
