Many people are surprised to learn that heat pumps don’t create heat—they just move it from the ground into your home. The outdoor and indoor units are each equipped with a heat exchanger. As heat transfers from one unit to another, fans circulate the air to warm your space as effectively and efficiently as possible. Because heat pumps are electric, they tend to be much more energy-efficient than other kinds of heaters.
The heat pump installation process requires ground loops to be buried underground. Depending on your property’s topography, vertical loops may be preferable to traditional horizontal loops. Either way, the heat pump will need to be connected back to your home’s electrical power so the air duct system can disperse cool or warm air. Once installation is complete, an HVAC professional will test and commission the heat pump system to ensure it’s functioning as it should.
The science behind the design of a heat pump system allows for a powerful advantage: a heat pump can both heat and cool your home! The direction of the heat’s movement within a heat pump can be reversed. As a result, you can move heat from the inside of your home and expel it, or you can bring heat outside your home indoors. For geographic locations with moderate temperatures, this is better than many other heating options.
Heat Pump Repair
As with any heating or cooling unit, heat pump systems will inevitably need to be repaired over time. Refrigerant leaks are among the most common issues. Refrigerant is necessary for your heat pump to function in both summer and winter. A leak in the refrigerant line means there’s not enough to absorb or transfer heat, causing damage to the compressor and impacting your comfort level. HVAC professionals can seal leaks and recharge the refrigerant to get the system working effectively again.
Just like with traditional air conditioners, the outdoor coils of a heat pump can sometimes develop frost. When too much ice builds up, it can block the entire output of the unit. This puts immense strain on your system, which is why it’s so important to call for professional heat pump repair as soon as you notice a problem.
Broken reversing valves are also possible. These valves are what allow the heat pump to reverse the flow of refrigerant, which gives you the ability to switch between cooling and heating modes. When the reversing valve fails and gets stuck in one position, you’ll find it difficult to switch modes. This is a fairly easy repair for an experienced HVAC professional.
Heat Pump Maintenance
If you’re hoping to protect your system and stay comfortable all year long, preventative heat pump maintenance is the answer.
So, what does servicing a heat pump entail? In terms of heat pump maintenance, you’ll want to check your air filters each month and replace or clean them as needed. You can try to do this yourself or have a professional do it for you. If you decide to perform your own maintenance, be sure to keep the outdoor unit clear of ice, snow, and debris. It’s also important to maintain clean outdoor coils. You can use a heavy-duty degreaser to hose them down, but be careful to turn the unit off before getting started.
In the spring, you’ll need to flush the indoor condensate pan and drain before you switch on the air conditioning. Some fan motors may need to be oiled annually, too. This maintenance is essential to keep your system performing efficiently and will help prevent damage to the compressor and other components. For best results, schedule annual inspections by a trained service professional. This can help keep emergency repairs at bay.
Why Choose Aire Serv for Heat Pump Services?
Both heat pump systems and boilers are incredibly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. If you’re considering switching your home heating system, either of these options could be the one for you. Give Aire Serv a call to have us take a look at your home. Our team can help you choose the right heating system for your budget, your home, and your climate. We can help make your utility bills more comfortable, too! Our parts, labour, and systems are fully guaranteed, resulting in more savings when you choose us for your heat pump services.
At Aire Serv, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers. Whether that means offering 24/7 availability or the best guarantees in the business, we’ll make sure you get the results you deserve.
If you’re in the market for heat pump installation, repair, or maintenance, don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment online or give us a call today.