You likely do a lot to get the outside of your house ready for cooler temps. There’s specialized lawn care, raking and the list could keep going. But there’s another thing important outside your residence that frequently gets ignored.

Your heat pump runs throughout the summer and winter to keep your family comfy. And all that hard work requires some thorough upkeep to make sure it gives efficient, trouble-free comfort.

So, you could be questioning, how regularly should you tune-up your heat pump in Portland? Is it necessary if it’s new or working well? Let’s go over why heat pump maintenance is needed and how often you should request it.

Why Heat Pump Maintenance is Necessary

Your heat pump is critical for keeping your loved ones comfy all through any kind of weather. With routine maintenance, you’ll receive stress-free comfort no matter the temperature. But if you skip professional service, your heat pump can turn dirty.

A heat pump that needs service can be burdened with poor performance, which can make your utility expenses higher. It may even frost over, disrupting your family’s comfort. You might even get left with a pricey repair bill that, in most situations, could have been unnecessary.

One of the most important components of service you can perform by yourself is putting in a fresh air filter. If the filter gets too dusty, your heat pump might begin to switch off and on repeatedly, which is called short cycling. Not only does this impact your electrical costs, it can also shorten your heat pump’s life cycle because it’s operating constantly.

If you choose a flat filter, our professionals advise installing a new one each month. If you use a pleated filter, those generally last up to three months. An easy way to figure out whether your filter should be replaced is by getting it out and tilting it to light. If you don’t detect any light, you should install a new one.

However, how regularly you need to change your filter hinges on a couple of details: how frequently your heat pump is on, if you have pets and if anyone suffers from allergies. Our Three Rivers Heating & Cooling specialists can provide assistance if you aren’t sure how often you should change your filter or what the best kind is for your family.

How Often You Should Get Heat Pump Service

Heat pumps are different from air conditioners or furnaces, because they run all year long. Because of this, we advise scheduling heat pump maintenance in Portland twice a year, usually during the spring and fall.

That way, you’ll have a head start on the cooling and heating seasons. And you’ll have time to get any required repairs done before you really need your heat pump. Routine service also keeps your manufacturer’s warranty ongoing, which is critical if your heat pump was recently installed.

Other than putting in a new air filter and keeping clear space around your heat pump outside, we don’t advise performing heat pump maintenance on your own. Your heat pump is a detailed device that needs help from a skilled heating and cooling pro.

All our friendly Three Rivers Heating & Cooling pros have passed in-depth training to meet your needs. They’re also completely licensed and insured, which means your heat pump is in experienced hands.

Here is a sample of the work we’ll complete on our tune-up visit:

  • Inspect your ducts, blower and indoor coil for dirt or other grit that can inpact heating and cooling.
  • Verify correct refrigerant levels and look for any leaks.
  • Examine and tighten electrical junctions.
  • Oil motors and belts.
  • Test total heat pump operation for safety and good comfort.

This week is a good time to schedule your heat pump maintenance appointment with Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. Our specialists are here to assist you with energy-efficient, worry-free home comfort. Contact us at 503-213-4433 to request your appointment today, and remember to check at our offers for exclusive discounts on your upcoming maintenance appointment.