5 Ways to Prepare Your Heat Pump for Spring Weather

One of the greatest benefits of a heat pump is that it can both heat and cool your Greenville, North Carolina, home. Transitioning from winter to spring isn’t an entirely automatic process, though. Get ready for warmer weather and learn how to prepare your heat pump with basic maintenance for the spring season.

Maintain the Exterior Unit

As spring approaches, start your maintenance routine with the heat pump’s exterior unit, where the compressor, coil, and fan reside. Depending on the exterior unit’s location and the kind of trees and plant life you have in your yard, the unit can easily become covered with branches, leaves, and other organic material over the course of a few weeks or months. Brush off anything that has accumulated on top of the unit and make a point of re-clearing it every month.

Next, clear a path around the exterior unit. If bushes, grass, flowers, or other landscaping elements grow near the unit, trim them to allow for a two- to three-foot pathway in all directions. Having a clear, unobstructed path ensures that the unit can expel old air and draw in fresh air without compromising its operation. Check the heat pump once a month throughout the spring and summer seasons to make sure it hasn’t become overgrown.

Change the Air Filter

As HVAC technicians, we typically recommend that you change your system’s air filter once a month during times of heavy use and at least every three months during the rest of the year. As the season transitions from winter to spring, it presents the ideal time to leave the old air filter behind and start fresh.

Changing the air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering your HVAC system, which helps it run smoothly. Replacing the filter also helps to keep your home’s indoor air clean. If your air filter becomes overloaded with dirt, dust, and debris, it may lose its ability to trap airborne contaminants, forcing them to re-enter your home’s air supply instead.

Set the Thermostat

Whether you’re concerned about keeping your family comfortable, lowering your utility bills as much as possible, or controlling humidity, you’ll need to change your thermostat settings as spring weather approaches. While you should typically keep your programmable thermostat set around 68 degrees in the winter, it is generally advised that you set it at or near 78 degrees in the summer.

As the warmer months approach, you will need to shift the heat pump to summer temperature settings as soon as you notice the weather changing. No matter the season, remember to dial back the temperature 10 to 15 degrees at night and while everyone is out during the day in order to save on utility costs.

Check the Condensate Drain

The condensate drain can reveal clear signs that your heat pump needs more extensive maintenance. Cracks or loose fittings, for instance, indicate that the drain needs to be refitted or replaced altogether. Standing water in the drain shows that there is a clog or obstruction further down the line, which can lead to bigger problems such as mold or water damage if you don’t address it right away.

Because drain issues can quickly become complex and pricey, don’t attempt to troubleshoot them yourself. Instead, give J & J Mechanical, Inc. a call so we can take a closer look.

Schedule Professional Preventive Maintenance

The best way to prepare your heat pump for the spring season is to schedule preventive maintenance with our experienced technicians. This biannual service keeps your HVAC system running efficiently and identifies minor issues before they escalate. During a standard maintenance session, we will do the following:

• Check the Fluids: We will make sure the refrigerant levels are correct and check for leaks.
• Inspect the Connections: We check that all electrical connections are safe and sound to prevent malfunction or a fire.
• Test the Motors: We ensure that motors and fans run smoothly to save you from expensive mechanical failures down the road.

From heat pump maintenance to new cooling system installation, you can count on us. Call your local heating experts at J & J Mechanical, Inc. at (855) 800-1341 to schedule a consultation today.

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