When it comes to winter in North Florida, it’s not about how cold it gets but how quickly the temperatures can begin to dip. Typically it only takes a week to go from relatively humid mornings to needing to warm up your car before going to work. That’s a quick turnaround and emphasizes just how important it is to have a well-functioning heat pump because there’s very little time to get ready once you start feeling the cooler temperatures. And with heat pumps being one of the most used appliances in your home, proper maintenance is important. Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating has been Jacksonville, Florida’s HVAC leader for over 40 years, and here are 3 DIY ideas for keeping your heat pump working at maximum efficiency through the winter.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

Before you begin to do any work on your heat pump, it’s important to know what a heat pump is and how it works. A heat pump is part of a home heating and cooling system and is installed outside your home. Like an air conditioner such as central air, it can cool your home, but it’s also capable of providing heat. In cooler months, a heat pump pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and in warmer months, it pulls heat out of indoor air to cool your home. In short, heat pumps transfer heat rather than generate heat, making them energy efficient.

Control Your Thermostat

Doing what you can to prevent your heat pump from working unnecessarily is the easiest and most effective way to prolong its life. In the winter, set your thermostat to anywhere between 66 and 69 degrees. In the summer, have it set between 74 and 77 degrees. Keep your thermostat set correctly and your heat pump will work at a more energy-efficient level.

Clean the Heat Pump Filter on a Monthly Basis

The filter is the most important component of any heat pump. Located inside the indoor unit of your heat pump system, the filter removes dust, debris, and other air pollutants that can prevent proper airflow and make your heat pump expend energy it doesn’t have to. This makes cleaning the filter an essential part of your heat pump and it should be done on a monthly basis.

Make Sure Registers Remain Open

Speaking of airflow, it is recommended that your registers remain open at all times, with no more than 10 percent of the registers on your heat pump closed at any one time. You will also want to ensure the outdoor unit remains clear of anything that might block the registers and restrict airflow. This can include but is not limited to branches, bushes, trees, grass, ice, and frost.

Schedule a Monthly Heat Pump Consultation Today

If you’ve tried all the DIY steps above and your heat pump still isn’t working, it might be time to call a professional. Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating has been servicing heat pumps and HVAC systems since 1975, so you can be sure the job will get done right the first time, letting you enjoy the cooler months with family and friends. We’re also available around the clock for emergency heat pump repair service because as we all know, heat pumps never fall into disrepair at a convenient time.

Ask your local HVAC professional to inspect your air ducts, furnace filters, and heat pump as those are the most common places where problems build up without you noticing. Spending a little money on maintenance throughout the year will extend the life of your heating system and prevent you from having to make a costly purchase to replace your HVAC system, helping you potentially save a lot of money.