Air Source Heat Pumps
Generally, air source heat pumps are a low-maintenance bit of kit. Keeping your heat pump clean is the most important part of looking after it.
Heat pump servicing is often overlooked as integral to maintaining the unit’s longevity and efficiency. To ensure your unit is working optimally. You should have your heat pump professionally serviced every 12 months. Ideally, before the start of winter.
However, if you don’t have a heat pump. And you are still hassling with the old heating system. And you decide to transform your old boiler into a new heat pump. But the high cost is a hurdle. Then, don’t worry! The government free air source heat pumps grant scheme is here. It aims to provide free heat pumps to low-income families. Luckily, anyone can avail a modern heating system.
Review our guide below for key maintenance recommendations for air source heat pumps.
How Much Maintenance Does A Heat Pumps Need?
Air source heat pumps are generally low-maintenance solutions. However, cleaning and open airflow are necessary to ensure their proper working.
By carefully maintaining your heat pump, you can make it last up to 20 years. This extends the standard longevity of a boiler, which is around 15 years. A small amount of careful upkeep can have a big effect.
Air Source Heat Pumps Maintenance Checklist
It is essential to make the following checks yearly to ensure lasting benefits. Although the form and placement of air source heat pumps may change.
Below are some easy techniques to help you keep your valuable pump. However, it’s important to stress that before performing any repair, ensure the heat pump is turned off to reduce the risk of electrical problems or safety issues.
1. Keep It Clean
To support the longevity and top performance of your air source heat pump. It is vital to keep it clean. Below are a few important cleaning steps that you can follow:
Wiping down the coils
- Use a soft brush to clean dust or dirt gathered on the coils.
- After brushing, gently wipe down the coils with a wet cloth to eliminate any leftover dirt. Ensure that the cloth is moist but not soaking wet to prevent damage.
- Pay extra attention to the coils’ tips. Because they can easily extract dirt and need a complete cleaning.
- Regularly wiping down the coils helps keep cleanliness. It also supports an efficient heat pump function.
Replacing filters every 30-60 days
- To ensure clear movement and keep productivity. And change the filters every 30-60 days to avoid clogs.
- Remove the filters from the heat pump. To remove dirt, use a vacuum cleaner. Washable filters can be soaked in a light cleanser and water. They can be lightly cleaned, rinsed thoroughly, and dried before replacing.
Clean the fan blades and wipe away dirt.
- Remove the heat pump unit’s fan blades. Use a soft brush to remove gathered dirt or debris gently.
- Use a wet fabric to wipe the blades to ensure thorough cleaning. To prevent harm, avoid extra moisture. Set the fan belt if required.
Following this care plan ensures your air source heat pump works easily. And it also promotes its best performance.
2. Remove Any Obstructions
Adequate airflow is important for the smooth working of air source heat pumps. Even a small amount of growing grass near the unit can greatly impact the efficiency of your heating system. It keeps your winter uncomfortable.
Two main ways to prevent barriers from affecting your heat pump include:
Clearing encroaching vegetation, leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Maintaining a clipped and neat area around your heat pumps is recommended to ensure optimal working.
De-icing your unit
- During the winter, the outer unit of the heat pump may gather ice. That can delay the heat transfer process. Some heat pump types have a thaw setting to melt the ice gradually. It successfully solves this issue.
3. Inspect the Unit Now and Then
Inspect the outdoor unit for visible leaks
Many heat pumps have a drain pan meant to catch the water the unit makes. However, if this pan becomes blocked with dirt, mould, or algae. It can lead to overflow and the building of a puddle near your heat pump. If you discover a leak, a quick and simple cleaning job can fix the problem within a few minutes.
Replenish glycol (antifreeze)
Preventive steps are important to protect the heat pump from freezing and possible damage during winter. Refilling the antifreeze yearly is often necessary to keep the manufacturer’s guarantee. It also ensures the unit works properly. And protects it from problems caused by freezing weather.
4. Test the controls
Regularly checking the electrical parts of your heat pump is highly recommended. This involves inspecting the reaction of your thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs). Verifying that the pressure valves work correctly when the heat is changed is crucial. If any problems or irregularities are noticed, getting skilled help to examine possible internal system issues is suggested.
Benefits of Air Source Heat Pump Maintenance
- Extends the lifespan of your air source heat pump by up to 20 years
- Eliminates germs and smells by cleaning filters, fan blades, and coils
- Improves heat pump efficiency
- Lowers domestic energy demand and the homeowner’s carbon footprint
- Decreases the chance of system breakdowns
Summary
Air source heat pump maintenance is necessary for best performance and longer lives. However, some guarantees may stipulate an annual checkup. To avoid unknown problems, it is wise to have your heat pump upkeep before the winter season. This preventative method ensures that possible problems are handled quickly. It also avoids delays in your heating source during the cooler months.
