As the Cottonwood & Prescott temperature gets cooler, your heat pump often has to pick up the pace to keep you and your family warm. While it will unavoidably run the longest during colder months, there are some things you can do to prevent excess strain on your heat pump that often leads to a heat pump repair.
Is Your Filter Dirty?
Ah, the golden rule of heat pump ownership: check your air filter often and confirm it is not dirty. We can’t say it enough. This is a very simple way to keep your heat pump running as it should and help prevent heat pump repair. When your air filter is dirty and clogged, it becomes more difficult for air to pass through and causes your heat pump to work a lot harder than it normally would. All this extra work can lead to a breakdown. If you have Connolly Electric & Mechanical perform routine annual maintenance on your heat pump, we’ll check your air filter and replace it if needed. It’s a good idea to set a reminder for yourself to check your filter every month and change it again when you start to notice dirt building up.
Are Your Vents Clear and Open?
If your vents are dirty or blocked, or even just closed, your heat pump is going to work harder than it needs to. Keep furniture and curtains from blocking your vents to let the warm air to flow through your space and alleviate the load on your heat pump. If you notice the airflow still isn’t as strong as it should be, or you see dirt accumulating on your vent covers, have your ductwork looked at. Leaks may need to be sealed, or it just might require a good cleaning.
If you find that the ducts are clear, but your heat pump still isn’t keeping up, give Connolly Electric & Mechanical a call before you flip the emergency heat switch. We may be able to help you find a better way to heat your home.
Are You Using a Programmable Thermostat?
A programmable thermostat can help prevent your heat pump from running when it isn’t necessary. Without a programmable thermostat, your heat pump will heat your home during times when it’s not required—like when you’re at work or away on vacation. A programmable thermostat allows you to modify your heating schedule around your lifestyle and heat your home at specific times—which will help you save money on your energy costs and reduce the strain on your heat pump and help prevent a heat pump repair.
If you would like more information on reducing the strain on your heat pump and preventing heat pump repair, give Connolly Electric & Mechanical a call at 928-251-4327 and our experts can walk you through it.