Seasonal Heat Pump Maintenance: The Key to Lower Energy Costs

Alberta homeowners rely heavily on their heating systems, and for many, a heat pump is the best tool for the job. However, like any machine that works hard, a heat pump needs care. Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating is proud to assist with and advise our customers on how to perform seasonal heat pump maintenance in Edmonton. Our goal is to help you stay warm without spending a fortune on energy bills.

We’ve seen many heat pumps fail simply because they weren’t checked or cleaned. Don’t let that happen to yours. This guide explains why taking care of your system is vital, while also providing heat pump maintenance tips to ensure optimal efficiency throughout the winter.

Why Seasonal Heat Pump Maintenance Is Important

You wouldn’t drive your car without changing the oil or checking the tires. Treat your heat pump the same way. It’s a complex machine with moving parts, electrical wires, and special fluids. Over time, these things wear out or get dirty.

When your heat pump is dirty, it has to work much harder to push air through your home. Imagine trying to run a race while breathing through a straw. That’s essentially what happens to your heat pump when its filter is clogged. The motor runs longer and hotter, consuming a significant amount of extra electricity.

Regular heat pump maintenance stops this from happening. A well-maintained unit saves you money on monthly bills and will last longer.

Our Comprehensive Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Taking care of your heating system involves a mix of tasks. There are simple things you can do yourself, and there are technical jobs that require a trained expert. Here’s a heat pump maintenance checklist to help you stay organized:

DIY Tasks for Homeowners

You can do these simple tasks every few weeks or months to keep things running smoothly:

• Check the Air Filters – Dirty filters block airflow. Check your filter once a month. If it looks grey or clogged with dust, clean it or replace it.
• Clear the Outdoor Unit – Your heat pump needs sufficient space to operate properly. Go outside and check the unit. Remove any leaves, grass, or twigs stuck in the sides. In the winter, gently brush away snow and ice buildup.
• Check the Thermostat – Make sure your thermostat is working correctly. If it runs on batteries, change them once a year.
• Inspect the Registers – Walk around your house and look at the vents or registers. Ensure they’re not blocked by furniture, curtains, or rugs. Air needs to flow freely into the room.

Professional Maintenance Tasks

Some elements of heat pump maintenance are dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. You should hire a professional heat pump maintenance service company like Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating once a year to handle these tasks:

• Check Electrical Connections – A technician will tighten wires and check for signs of burning or wear. This prevents electrical fires and system failures.
• Lubricate Motors – Moving parts create friction. Without oil, they grind against each other and wear out. A pro will oil the motors and bearings.
• Check Refrigerant Levels – The heat pump uses a fluid called refrigerant to move heat. If the level is too low, the system cannot heat your home. A technician will check for leaks and add more fluid if needed.
• Inspect the Belt – If your system uses a belt, it can crack or loosen. A professional will inspect the tension and replace the belt if it appears worn.
• Clean the Coils – The coils inside the unit transfer heat. If they’re covered in dust or grime, they can’t do their job. A professional has the right tools to clean them safely.

Benefits of Heat Pump Maintenance

Sticking to a schedule for heat pump maintenance and service helps you avoid breakdowns and improves your quality of life, among other benefits:

• Lower Energy Bills – This is the benefit everyone loves. A clean, tuned-up system uses less electricity. Studies show that regular service can significantly reduce your energy use. Over a cold Edmonton winter, those savings will add up quickly.
• Better Comfort – Have you noticed cold spots in your house? Or maybe the heat pump runs for a few minutes and then shuts off? Maintenance fixes these problems. When the system is balanced and clean, it heats every room evenly. You’ll feel more comfortable no matter where you’re sitting.
• Improved Air Quality – Your heat pump circulates air throughout your home. If the inside of the unit is full of dust, mould, or pollen, it blows these things into your rooms. Cleaning the filters and coils keeps the air fresh. Improved indoor air quality is beneficial for anyone who has allergies or asthma.
• Longer Equipment Life – Neglect is the number one reason heating systems die early. By taking care of the machine, you’ll add years to its life and delay the expense of buying a new one.
• Warranty Protection – Some warranties are voided by the manufacturer if the unit isn’t regularly serviced by a professional. Keep records of your annual check-ups to protect yourself if a part breaks.

Contact Our Heating Professionals in Edmonton Today

Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating’s technicians are trained specifically on heat pump technology, so you can count on us to have the right tools and knowledge to diagnose problems fast. We also excel at being proactive when it comes to heat pump maintenance. Our team performs simple tune-ups, detailed inspections, and a range of other services. Contact us today to schedule heat pump maintenance service in Edmonton.