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As with any appliance, heat pumps can develop problems over time. When faced with the need for heat pump repair, you must decide whether to do the work yourself or call in a professional contractor. Each of these approaches to heat pump repair has its benefits and drawbacks. As a homeowner, it is up to you to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision.

About Heat Pumps

heat-pump-repair-diy-vs-hiring-a-professional-hvac-contractor-valley-comfort-heating-and-air-caYour heat pump works by extracting heat from the air and taking it somewhere else. During the winter, it draws heat from the air outside the building and transfers it indoors. It continues to transfer heat to your home until it reaches the desired temperature. During the summer, it cools your building’s interior by taking heat from inside the building to the outside.

Heat pumps have been around for a long time and are a proven form of HVAC technology. They can help to keep your home or commercial building comfortable throughout the year. Along with that benefit, heat pumps are also among the most energy efficient HVAC systems available today. They are environmentally friendly because of their energy efficiency and because they do not require combustion to provide heat.

Because heat pumps play such a major role in home comfort, heat pump repair must be taken very seriously. Common problems that make heat pump repair necessary include:

  • Failure to defrost
  • Malfunctioning outdoor fan
  • Low refrigerant levels
  • Dirty coils
  • Refrigerant leaks
  • Noisy operation
  • Failure to heat or cool

DIY Heat Pump Maintenance

Heat pumps are complex devices; attempting DIY heat pump repair can be risky if you are not an HVAC expert. However, there are a few things that you can do to keep your heat pump running properly.

  • Change Filters

Check your filter every month and change as necessary. A clean filter will ensure good airflow through your system.

  • Check Your Thermostat

Set it to the temperature that will provide the best balance between comfort and energy efficiency.

  • Remove Obstructions

Keep debris from gathering around your outdoor heat pump unit. Debris like leaves and limbs can restrict airflow. For that reason, you will also want to remove or cut back any shrubbery growing around the unit.

You should prevent indoor obstructions as well. Keep drapes, carpeting and other objects from blocking registers. As on the outside of a building, obstructions inside can impede airflow.

Heat Pump Repair Tasks That You Should Leave to a Professional

  • Annual Preventive Maintenance

You can prevent the need for heat pump repair by having your heat pump inspected and maintained once a year. The maintenance process includes checking the refrigerant levels and flushing the condensate drain to remove debris. Your HVAC contractor will also check the voltage and current on heat pump’s motors along with making sure that all of the connections are tight.

  • Lubrication

Your Heat pump has multiple moving parts that should be lubricated. Due to the complexity of the system, it is best that a trained HVAC professional handle this task. They will know which parts to lubricate and how to lubricate them.

  • Clean the Coils

This involves disconnecting the heat pump and air conditioning system from the home’s electrical supply. After disconnecting the electricity, the HVAC professional will remove the cover of the heat pump to gain access to the coils.

If you are not comfortable handling heat pump repair tasks or are unsure of what is causing them, contact a professional HVAC contractor immediately. Professionals have the training and experience to handle a range of heat pump repair tasks, including fixing thermostat problems and problems with the compressor or refrigerant.  Contact us for more information.