As the Albuquerque temperature drops, your heat pump often has to pick up the pace to keep you and your family warm. While it will unavoidably run the longest during winter months, there are some things you can do to prevent excess strain on your heat pump that often leads to a heat pump repair.
Is Your Filter Dirty?
Ah, the golden rule of heat pump ownership: check your air filter often and make sure it’s clean. We can’t say it enough. This is an inexpensive way to keep your heat pump working as it should and help prevent heat pump repair. When your air filter is dirty and clogged, it becomes more difficult for air to pass through and causes your heat pump to work a lot harder than it should. All this extra work can mean a breakdown. If you have I-Deal HVAC perform routine annual maintenance on your heat pump, we’ll check your air filter and exchange it if needed. It’s a good idea to set a reminder for yourself to check your filter monthly and change it again when you start to observe dirt building up.
Are Your Vents Clear and Open?
If your vents are dirty or blocked, or even just closed, your heat pump is going to operate harder than it needs to. Keep furniture and curtains from blocking your vents to allow the warm air to flow through your house and alleviate the load on your heat pump. If you find the airflow still isn’t as strong as it should be, or you see dirt gathering on your vent covers, have your ductwork looked at. Leaks may need to be sealed, or it just might benefit from a good cleaning.
If the end result is that the ducts are clear, but your heat pump still isn’t keeping up, give I-Deal HVAC a call before you flip the emergency heat switch. We might be able to help you find a better way to heat your home.
Are You Using a Programmable Thermostat?
A programmable thermostat can help avert your heat pump from running when it isn’t necessary. Without a programmable thermostat, your heat pump will heat your space during times when it’s not needed—like when everyone is gone or away on vacation. A programmable thermostat allows you to modify your heating schedule around your schedule and heat your home at certain times—which will help you save money on your utility bills and reduce the strain on your heat pump and help prevent a heat pump repair.
If you want more information on reducing the strain on your heat pump and preventing heat pump repair, give I-Deal HVAC a call at 505-445-1250 and we can help.