Tips for Maintenance the Home and Bulding Owners can do themselves
Outdoor Units
Winter: Check you outdoor unit during winter to make sure that snow or ice is not blocking the fan on the front or the back. If there is snow, clear it away.
Spring and Summer: Check your outdoor unit in the Spring and Summer for plant growth that might be blocking the fan on the front or back. If there is plant growth in or near the unit, gently remove the foliage being careful not to harm the outer fins.
Critters: Springtime means growth, but it also meas there will be plenty of critters looking for a home. Keep an eye out for those seeking to make nests.
Dogs: We love our four legged friends, but keep them from relieving themselves on the outdoor unit to prevent unwanted corrosion.
Cleaning: You may also clean your outdoor unit with water, but DO NOT use a pressure washer. A simple rinse allowing the water to flow down the unit is best, however, a good storm can also accomplish this rinse.
Indoor Units
Filter Cleaning
Gently remove the filter
Remove any specialty filters (it is recommended not to wash these, but you can choose to replace them once they look dirty)
wash the filter with water and soap, make sure the filter is completely dry before replacing.
Watch the below video showing how to access and clean your high wall indoor unit filter.
Watch the below video showing how to access and clean your multi-position air handler filter (in place of your furnace).
Deep Cleanings
While heat pumps are relatively easy to maintain especially when compared to traditional heating systems, regular preventative service and cleanings are recommended and sometimes necessary. Heat pumps work best when there is a high degree of contact between the air and the coil. This is occomplished by the extremely high surface area of the thin metal fins of the coil. As a unit, indoor or outdoor, accumulates dust, dirt, grime, grease etc. the exposed surface area of the metal fins decreases. This causes losses of efficiency. The build-up of unwanted particles can also cause the deterioration of other internal components and reduce the airflow of the fan putting strain on the fan motor. The most noticable effect of a dirty unit can be the bad odors that an indoor unit expells. The end results of having a dirty unit can have large ramifications when compounded over years. A dirty unit could shorten the overall life of the unit, cause higher operational costs, and negatively impact indoor air quality. Because every indoor space is different some units may need a cleaning every year and others may need a cleaning every four years. While it may not be an annual requirement or even biennial, a deep cleaning service is something that all heat pumps owners should consider.