Heat pumps are a vital component of your home’s HVAC system, using electricity to move heat throughout your space, depending on your needs. Unlike a furnace or air conditioner, it can both heat and cool your home, making it the perfect home heating and cooling system for all seasons.

However, if you don’t keep up with heat pump maintenance, it can begin to deteriorate, disrupting your home’s comfort and requiring costly repair. Staying ahead of the curve by regularly maintaining your heat pump will save you money and frustration, but the maintenance needed depends on the season. In this guide, we’ll explain the key maintenance needs for your heat pump system depending on the season, so you can keep your HVAC running optimally year-round.

Spring Maintenance

Spring is ideal for preparing your heat pump for the coming temperature change. Getting maintenance done ahead of time will allow you to enjoy more time on the beach or at summer barbecues and less time fiddling with your HVAC system.

For starters, always check and clean the filters on your heat pump. Over time, these collect dust, pollen, and other debris, which can hinder the operation of your heat pump system. Worse, this will cause higher-than-necessary energy bills.

To improve air circulation, remove debris from the outdoor section of your unit as well. Leaves, twigs, flowers, seeds, and other natural debris can collect over the spring months. You’ll also want to trim back any grass or bushes that are crowding against your heat pump unit.

Check the refrigerant levels and refill as needed. If you notice any leaks or other damage, it’s best to call an HVAC specialist to complete thorough and lasting repairs. Professional services ensure that your unit is always working at peak performance.

Inspect the electrical connections for your heat pump unit, and if you notice frayed wires or damaged connections, have them repaired immediately. Exposed wires can cause much more damage than a malfunctioning HVAC system!

Summer Maintenance

Summer is one of two seasons when your heat pump will see the most action as it works to keep your home cool during heat waves. It’s important to continue maintenance throughout the season, checking up on filters and ensuring minor issues don’t go unattended. You’ll want to pay close attention to those filters to prevent air quality from diminishing.

Keep outdoor debris from cluttering your system by checking periodically throughout the week and removing any leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have fallen into your heat pump. This should be a regular part of your home maintenance and doesn’t require much time.

We recommend hiring an HVAC professional to inspect your heat pump unit at least once during the summer to catch any leaks or minor issues before they grow into costly problems. Trained professionals from ProFlo can inspect your heat pump and complete any necessary HVAC maintenance. We can also service your home with heat pump installation or AC repair if you wish to update your system for improved air quality and comfort.

Fall Maintenance

Fall is another transition period when you’ll want to prepare your heat pump for the coming season — this time, winter. The cold temperatures will shift the demands on your heat pump unit from keeping your home cool to warming it up. Complete similar maintenance to your spring cleaning to set yourself up for comfort and low energy bills.

Inspect and change out filters, remove debris from the outdoor section (especially after your trees shed their leaves), and ensure all electrical connections are secure. You’ll also want to inspect your duct and ventilation system to ensure proper air circulation throughout your home. Remove any obstructions to lighten the burden on your heat pump system.

It’s advisable to test your thermostat to ensure it’s displaying an accurate temperature reading. This ensures efficient triggering of your heat pump system, keeping your home continuously comfortable.

Winter Maintenance

Like summer, winter is another time when your heat pump system will be working its hardest, so it’s important to stay on top of maintenance to prevent unwanted disruptions. Complete all the usual maintenance practices, but also remember to address the unique issues presented by a colder climate.

Snow, ice, and frost can wreak havoc on a heat pump system. While snow and ice aren’t commonly found in the Inland Empire, you should remove any frost that may have accumulated on your outdoor unit overnight to ensure optimal airflow through your home. Obstructions can lead to inefficient functioning, which increases stress on your system and raises energy expenses. If you notice excess frost, this can also indicate an issue with the defrost cycle.

As with summer, winter is an ideal time for HVAC professionals to inspect your heat pump unit. They can address any issues that may have developed between summer and winter and ensure your HVAC system is working optimally throughout the intense winter months.

Keep Your Home Comfortable Year-Round

At ProFlo, we pride ourselves on helping our customers stay comfortable with fast and efficient HVAC maintenance services regardless of the season. We can complete thorough inspections to identify even the most minor problems and provide reliable solutions backed by the latest tools and know-how. Our services include heat pump installation, AC maintenance, heater repair, and more! If you need to update or repair your HVAC system, call ProFlo today at 951-694-1300 or contact us online for a free estimate.