Summer 2017 has been a hot one, and many homeowners have spent a fair amount of the season hunkering down at home with the air conditioning. It’s no secret that heat pumps are among the most effective tools for cooling the home, but when they’re running full-throttle, they require maintenance in order to properly keep up. This is especially true for those who have noticed that their heat pumps aren’t quite cooling the way they should be when it’s especially hot outside—a common complaint, but something that shouldn’t really be happening.
If you’d like to get the most out of your heat pump, you need to place focus on maintenance. Here are some tips to get you started:
Keep the Unit Running
Many of us leave our homes early in the morning, often without plans to return until early evening. It’s plausible to think that turning off your heat pump when you’re gone for an extended period of the day will be an effective way to save money on your electricity bill, but doing so will actually cause more harm than good in most cases. Heat pumps often have to run for 8-12 hours when it’s exceptionally hot outside; otherwise, they won’t be able to adequately cool the home. Keep the unit on, even if you’re going to be gone for the majority of the day.
Inspect for Indoor/Outdoor Blockages
Sometimes, a heat pump that doesn’t operate the way it’s supposed to experiences such problems as a result of inadequate airflow. Inside the home, this can happen if furniture or curtains get in the way of the supply or return vents, but it can also result if the unit’s ducts are blocked. Outside, you may want to take a look at the coil, which can sometimes get clogged with grass clippings and other debris. A light blockage can be broken up with a vacuum—heavier blockages require professional assistance.
Close Your Windows
You may want to open your windows on a beautiful, cool New Jersey evening. Avoid the temptation, as cooler air will also bring moisture in, lowering the efficiency of your heat pump. For the ultimate in a cool home, allow your unit to run while the windows are closed at all times.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Many homeowners find out the hard way that even the highest-quality heat pumps on the market require regular maintenance in order to operate effectively. Heat pump maintenance from Princeton Air will help to ensure that your home stays cool and comfortable throughout the entire summer, no matter how hot it ends up getting outside. Maintenance not only leads to a reduced chance of emergency breakdown, but you can expect a cooler home and reduced energy bills as a result.
Ready to get your heat pump working the way it should? Princeton Air is here to help. Contact us or call (609) 799-3434 today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
