After mowing and cleaning the yard this summer, consider the benefits of adding another outdoor maintenance task that will not only help keep your outdoor areas looking great but will pay off in improved indoor comfort. Devote some time and attention to cleaning the outdoor unit of your heat pump and you’ll see benefits throughout the season and beyond.

  • Change filters – Filter changes are vitally important to keeping your heat pump working at its best. Dirty filters are a major cause of system breakdowns, so a few minutes spent on the filters will keep your cooling system working reliably and efficiently. Check filters every month and change or clean them if dirty or clogged. Also, keep the following in mind:
    • Glass fiber filters are intended to be discarded when they get dirty, so change them when needed or about every three months.
    • For plastic fiber or foam filters, vacuum dirt and particles from them and replace them in the unit.
    • With aluminum mesh filters, wash them with mild detergent and water. Reapply the adhesive coating that traps dirt and other particles, then reinstall.
    • Clean the unit – Use mild detergent and a soft cloth to clean your heat pump’s exterior cabinet. Remove grass, twigs, leaves, nests, or other debris that has accumulated in the vents or inside the unit. Make sure the top of the unit is clear and unobstructed. Your heat pump requires unrestricted airflow to work properly, so trim back trees, grass, bushes, and plants to create plenty of clearance on all sides of the unit.
    • Protect the unit – A coat of automotive wax will help keep the exterior of the cabinet protected and looking good. Prevent lawn sprinklers from spraying directly on the cabinet; extended exposure to water can cause rust, and some lawn watering systems contain chemicals that can cause corrosion or other damage.

    Pipe Works Services is a plumbing, heating, and cooling company providing sales, installation, and repair to customers in Chatham and the surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on heat pump maintenance and suggestions for self-maintenance tasks that will keep your cooling system working at its best.

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