How you use your heat pump significantly affects its efficiency. By learning how to use yours optimally, you can save on energy bills and repair costs. Here are some common heat pump mistakes homeowners in Kingsland, GA, make and how to avoid them:
Cranking Up the Thermostat
Your thermostat allows you to communicate your temperature needs to your heat pump. Many homeowners assume that setting the thermostat higher will heat their homes faster.
Cranking up your thermostat actually does more harm than good because your system will run for an extended period, causing its parts to wear out. Additionally, if your heat pump continues to run for too long, it will consume more energy than normal, leading to higher energy bills.
Failing to Change the Air Filter
A heat pump cannot operate efficiently if dirt and debris accumulate on its components. An air filter helps protect the system’s parts from these contaminants. As the filter catches more pollutants, it becomes clogged, blocking air from entering your system.
This causes your heat pump to work harder for an extended period, trying to pull air through the filter. Consider changing your heat pump’s air filter every month or two.
Failing to Schedule Maintenance
Heat pumps require maintenance to continue running efficiently. Regular maintenance keeps the components clean, lubricates the moving parts, checks electrical connections, and addresses any damage.
Ignoring Unusual Smells & Sounds
Typically, heat pumps operate without emitting strange smells or sounds. If you detect any unfamiliar odors or sounds, there may be an issue that requires a service technician’s attention.
Troubling odors include a burning rubber smell, a dirty sock odor, and a rotten egg smell. You also should not ignore sounds like banging, hissing, gurgling, humming, or buzzing.
Contact Ed's Comfort Solutions for quality heating services this winter if your heat pump isn’t warming your home efficiently. We will inspect it thoroughly and restore it to working order.
Image provided by iStock