Regular heat pump cleaning ensures that it operates as efficiently as possible for a longer period. If you live in Halifax, you understand how unpredictable our weather can be, from frigid, humid winters to beautiful, tropical summers. Therefore, your heat pump serves an essential purpose during our ever-changing climate, because it is responsible for keeping your home comfortable year-round. It is extremely important to maintain your heat pump, as it’s a mechanical system that has many moving parts, just like any HVAC system. Ultimately, cleaning is one of the most important parts of that maintenance plan.
So if you are in Halifax, how often should you clean your heat pump? And why is it so important because of our climate in Canada? In this blog, we are going to answer these questions, as well as identify why cleaning your heat pump increases longevity and why you should consider using a professional HVAC cleaning service in Halifax.
What is a Heat Pump and Why Cleaning It is Important?
Heat pumps are an energy efficient means of providing heating and cooling to your home because they move heat from your home to the outdoors or vice versa. Unlike a traditional heater or air conditioning you have at home, you can think of heat pumps as being heat movers and not heat generators. That is one of the reasons they are popular in Canada where winters and summers are moderate i.e., Halifax.
The components of your heat pump including coils, filters and other parts can all collect dirt, dust, pollen, mold and debris over time. This may:
- Reduce efficiency: If the components of your heat pump are dirty, your equipment will work harder to bring your home to a desired temperature and therefore consume more energy and add to your energy bills.
- Cause wear and tear: If your system is dirty or clogged, the compressor and other components will struggle to perform their jobs which puts stress on them that will increase the chances of your heat pump breaking down and needing costly repairs.
- Reduce indoor air quality: A dirty heat pump can suck up allergens and pollutants and reintroduce them into your home.
- Reduce the life span: An unclean or unmaintained heat pump will have a drastically reduced life span.
In Halifax, where humidity can be prevalent, it is possible that mold and mildew grow in your equipment environment due to moisture and compounded issues resulting in your system working hard to reach the desired heating and cooling.
How Often Should You Clean Your Heat Pump in Halifax?
1. General Recommendation — Twice Annually
As a simple guideline, heat pump cleaning and checking your heat pump at least twice a year is practical for most homeowners in Halifax.
- Spring Time (prior to cooling season): As the temperature begins to warm-up, it’s a good idea to have your heat pump cleaned and serviced before the demands of summer cooling season.
- Fall Time (prior to heating season): Before the cold winter months arrive, get your heat pump cleaned and prepare it for the upcoming heating season.
Bi-annually cleaning helps to remove surface dirt and debris that had accumulated at the end of your cooling or heating season and prepares your heat pump for the following heating or cooling season.
2. Filter Cleaning — Every 1 to 3 Months
Filters protect your heat pump and provide great air quality. In Halifax’s environment, due to pollen, dust and moisture, filters could get dirty quickly. It’s highly recommended to check, clean or replace filters every 1 to 3 months while using your heat pump regularly.
You should check filters more frequently if you have pets, allergies or live in a dry area.
3. Outdoor Unit Maintenance — Once a Year or as Needed
As your heat pump’s outdoor unit is exposed to the elements year-round, it is common to have leaves, dirt, snow and ice on and/or around your outdoor unit. It’s best to clean around your outdoor unit at least once a year, preferably in the spring.
If you are starting to notice a lot of debris building up, airflow being blocked or frost/ice building up during the winter, then you should clean and inspect the outdoor unit more frequently.
4. HVAC Cleaning services — Deep Clean Once a Year
While a homeowner can do basic filter changes and easy cleaning, a heat pump cleaning service should do a primary deep clean and inspection of your heat pump once a year. The HVAC cleaning service will typically do:
- Thorough cleaning of the indoor and outdoor coils
- Check and clean the blower fans
- Check and inspect the electrical connections and controls
- Check refrigerant levels and pressures
- Check and clean and sanitize drain pans and drain lines
- Check system operation and efficiency
Professional cleaning will not only increase system efficiency but also assist in identifying future problems before they turn into costly repairs.
Why Halifax’s Climate Makes Regular Cleaning Even More Crucial
Halifax has a coastal climate that is characterized by:
- High humidity: High humidity can encourage the growth of mold and mildew on and around your heat pump components.
- Salt air: Coastal salt can damage the metal components of your heat pump and reduce its life expectancy.
- Seasonal temperature swings: Your heat pump is switching back and forth between heating and cooling modes regularly which adds to wear and tear.
Together, these factors contribute to regular heat pump cleaning and maintenance being less of a suggestion and more of a necessity in Halifax:
- Higher energy bills from operating inefficiently
- More frequent repairs due to damage from corrosion and wear
- Poor indoor air quality from mold and allergens
- Reduced life expectancy of the system, resulting in a premature replacement
By regularly cleaning your heat pump in a more Halifax specific way, you will help protect your investment and ensure your home is comfortable throughout the year.
Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Cleaning Now
You don’t have to wait for your scheduled maintenance. Here are some signs that your heat pump may need immediate cleaning:
- Lack of heating/cooling performance
- Higher than normal bills
- Noises or vibration
- Visible dirt, mold or debris on indoor/outdoor unit
- Smells coming from your vents
- Frequent cycling on and off
If you notice any of these signs, contact a reputable HVAC cleaning service like Breath Assured as soon as possible.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump Cleaning Service in Halifax
When you need service for your heat pump, it is important to work with a local Heat Pump cleaning company, because if you hire a company that is not familiar with heat pumps or the Halifax coastal climate, you could find that they have no clue about how to keep your system in peak performance. When you are looking for a suitable cleaning company be sure to look for:
- Licensed and insured technicians that work on heat pumps regularly.
- Experience servicing equipment in the coastal climate of Halifax.
- Positive reviews and testimonials from previous customers.
- Transparent pricing and ongoing maintenance plans.
- Emergency repair service.
DIY Cleaning Tips Between Professional Visits
While professional cleaning services are a must to keep your heat pump in peak condition, there are some things you can do to ensure your heat pump works efficiently and is clean:
- Clean or change your filters regularly. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
- Ensure that the outdoor unit is clear of leaves, branches and other debris.
- Clean the outdoor coil. You can clean the outdoor coil with a hose and light spray to remove dirt (make sure the unit is off when you do this).
- Check the drain line. Ensure that your condensate drain lines are clear and flowing properly.
- Ensure that your vents are not obstructed by furniture or curtains in your home.
Conclusion
Your heat pump is central to your home comfort system in Halifax. But, it requires ongoing cleaning and maintenance for optimal performance. If you’re in Halifax, there are many climate challenges you could face that you might want to address before they lead to expensive repairs, increased energy bills or bad indoor air quality. Regular heat pump cleaning and maintenance will not only increase the lifespan of your system, but also keep you comfortable and save you money in the winter and summer. If you’re in Halifax and you’re looking for HVAC cleaning services, look no further! You can always trust a local expert like Breath Assured who understands our weather demands and will keep your system running for years.
