Things That Strain Your Heat Pump That Could Lead to a Repair

March 06, 2018

As the Fort Lauderdale temperature goes down, your heat pump often has to pick up the pace to keep everyone in your house comfortable. While it will inevitably run the longest during winter months, there are some things you can do to reduce excess strain on your heat pump that might result in a heat pump repair.

Is Your Filter Dirty?

Ah, the golden rule of heat pump ownership: check your air filter often and make sure it’s clean. We can’t say it enough. This is an inexpensive 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 harder for air to pass through and causes your heat pump to work a lot harder than it should. All this extra work can result in a breakdown. If you have Solar Air Inc. perform routine annual maintenance on your heat pump, we’ll check your air filter and change it if needed. It’s a great idea to set a reminder for yourself to check your filter every month and change it again when you start to observe 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 operate harder than it needs to. Keep furniture and curtains from blocking your vents to allow the warm air to flow through your house and ease the load on your heat pump. If you feel the airflow still isn’t as strong as it should be, or you see dirt gathering on your vent covers, have your ductwork checked out. Leaks may need to be sealed, or it just might require a good cleaning.

If the final verdict is that the ducts are clear, but your heat pump still isn’t keeping up, give Solar Air Inc. 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 stop your heat pump from running when it isn’t necessary. Without a programmable thermostat, your heat pump will heat your house during times when it’s not necessary—like when the house is empty or away on vacation. A programmable thermostat allows you to modify your heating schedule around your lifestyle and heat your home at certain times—which will help you save money on your energy costs and put less strain on your heat pump and help prevent a heat pump repair.

If you could benefit from more information on reducing the strain on your heat pump and preventing heat pump repair, give Solar Air Inc. a call at 954-320-7398 and we can help.