Another Carolinas winter is on the way; is your heat pump up to it? You may be concerned that heating costs are set to be more than they were last year, or have found the system does not put as much warmth in the house as of old.
For anyone with those concerns, you will find what you need here. We at Champion Comfort Experts have been the go to for comfort in North and South Carolina homes since 2004 and are on hand 24/7. Do not hesitate to put in a call to (828) 426-6067.
There is no better time to have your heat pump looked at than in the fall. The weather is still mild so the system has not been put to work yet. It is an opportunity to put right any minor issues before the cold makes them into something costly. Then come the first hard cold snap and your heat pump is prepared for it.
Why Heat Pumps Are Demanding Here
One can see why they are so common in the Carolinas. The same unit does the heating and the cooling and our climate allows for good efficiency. But the flip side is that the heat pump is in service almost all year, unlike a furnace which can rest in warmer months.
The wear from such use is inevitable. Electrical connections will loosen, refrigerant levels are apt to drift and parts become soiled. Without a tune up the heat pump expends more energy to make the same amount of heat, and you will see it on the power bill in winter.
What to Expect From a Tune-Up
We do not do a cursory job of it. Our technician will put your system through its paces to have everything calibrated and clean for the rigors of winter. A comprehensive fall tune-up entails:
- Making sure the indoor and outdoor coils are free of debris for proper heat transfer
- Adjusting and checking the refrigerant for best efficiency
- An inspection of electrical connections and tightening where necessary
- A test of the defrost cycle on the outdoor unit
- Lubrication of the moving pieces to stave off friction
- Air filters cleaned or put in new ones
- Verifying the thermostat is giving you an accurate read
It is all to ensure the system performs as intended and does not have to use excess energy to make your home comfortable.
Where the Savings Lie
If the coils are caked with dirt the heat pump must run on longer to get to your desired temperature. Low on refrigerant and it has trouble drawing in the heat from outside. And if the defrost cycle is amiss you will have ice and the backup heat strips will have to be engaged, the most expensive kind of heat for your home.
A tune-up in the fall puts an end to that sort of thing and the gradual rise in your monthly bill. It also pre-empts a mid-winter breakdown and the emergency repair that entails. Too many a homeowner will forgo maintenance and then face a reparation bill that is far in excess of what a routine visit would cost.
Some Indications You Need Service
Your system will tell you when it is due for some attention. Be on the lookout for:
- Run times that are protracted or difficulty with the set temperature
- Noises from the unit indoors or out
- Ice on the outdoor unit that will not melt
- Vents with little or uneven airflow
- An uptick in your energy bill for no reason
Call us on it rather than let the problem fester; it is a simpler and less costly fix the quicker you act.
Make an Appointment
With an A+ from the BBB and 3,000 plus Google reviews to our name (we are at 4.9 stars), we are a licensed and insured operation in both Carolinas. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee is there for a reason.
Put another winter behind you without the worry. To have your bills in order and your heat pump in shape for the cold season, call (828) 426-6067 and we will be happy to help.
