Outdoor Maintenance for Heat Pumps during the Winter Months

Tis the season for “no heat” calls. Below are a few tips that will make your Heat Pumps run more efficiently and create less calls for you.

If you have more specific issues that you would like help with, please comment the blog and we will answer those questions for you in upcoming posts.

1. It’s important to replace the filters and clean and lubricate the components of a heat pump on a regular basis. But heat pumps, like central air conditioners, have an outdoor unit that contains a compressor, a coil, a fan, and other components. To function properly, this unit should be kept free of debris such as leaves and dirt and be level on its concrete support pad.
2. Clean pine needles, leaves, and dirt out of fans by removing the top, which is held to the frame by a series of retaining screws. Make sure the power to the unit is off before tackling this type of cleaning. A shop vac hose can sometimes be inserted between the fan blades to remove dirt, leaves pine needles and debris from the sides and bottom of the unit. Also, if you are going to clean the coils with any type of cleaner, whether it be acid based or not, make sure you back flush the coil completely to prevent impaction.
3. At the beginning of each heating season, set a level across the top of the unit and check the level from side to side and from front to back. If the unit is no longer level on the pad, lift the pad back to level by prying it up with a pry bar or a piece of 2-by-4. Build up the ground under it with stones or crushed rock. Do not use dirt as this will wash away with the first heavy rain. Also check the line set insulation for signs of deterioration. If this insulation is bad, replace it with new insulation, available at heating supply stores or from your MRO supplier. Installation instructions are usually provided by the manufacturer.

If you would like to enroll in any Heat Pump classes, check the site for details and times. Look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Happy Holidays!!

Jason T. Outlaw
Lead Trainer
www.serviceteamtraining.com