Auckland’s weather is all about mild winters, cosy summers, and extreme humidity levels. Thus, having a heat pump ensures comfort throughout the year, offering warmth in winters and cooling in summers and removing excess humidity.
However, if you don’t maintain the heat pump properly, the system might break down from the fluctuating weather and coastal conditions. Thus, you’ll have to splurge on frequent repairs and replacements.
To prevent such conditions, here are the top tips to maintain your heat pump and ensure its durability for years!
1.Regularly clean the air filters
Air filters have a major role in maintaining indoor air quality. Owing to Auckland’s high humidity, air filters get trapped with pollen, dust, and mould. This is a serious issue throughout the wet months.
Clogged air filters reduce the heat pump’s efficiency and longevity. If not cleaned, pollutants and allergens circulate indoors. As the heat pump tries to work harder, this also increases energy consumption and bills.
So, check air filters and clean them every month and at the beginning of each season. If necessary, replace them.
2.Schedule servicing routines
While it’s necessary to conduct basic maintenance tasks by yourself, you still need professional heat pump servicing at least once a year.
A thorough inspection from a reliable company like Albany Heat Pumps can identify possible issues earlier on, including electrical faults, component degradation, and refrigerant leaks. This can help your system run efficiently for a long time.
If there’s any major issue, you can also replace the current system with leading brands’ premium heat pumps from them.
3.Clear the outdoor unit
Due to the frequent rainfall of 136 rainy days and greenery in Auckland, leaves, branches, twigs, and dirt may get stuck in the heat pump’s outdoor unit. A blocked outdoor unit obstructs airflow and reduces the pump efficiency, causing the system to overheat.
So, regularly inspect this unit and keep vines and branches at least a meter away from it.
4.Check for salt buildup on the coast
If your property is right around the coastline, the salt-rich air can degrade and rust the heat pump components, lowering its lifespan. This can lead to frequent expensive repairs and replacements.
So, wash the outdoor unit with fresh water every 1-2 months to prevent salt buildup. You can also add a coating of anti-corrosion material for protection.
5.Set the right thermostat settings
Make sure you set the heat pump settings to match Auckland’s climate to improve system efficiency. For instance, during the mild winters, set the thermostat around 18-21°C to keep indoors comfortable and prevent burdening the system.
In summer, set it around 24-26°C to prevent excess energy consumption and system strain while offering adequate cooling. During wetter months, use the dehumidifying settings to balance humidity.
6.Insulate the home properly
Proper home insulation also reduces the burden on the heat pump. It prevents the heat from escaping the indoors during winter and entering indoors during summer.
So, make sure all gaps around doors and windows are sealed. Add insulation to ceilings, floors, and walls to maintain optimal temperatures.
7.Maintain the condensate drain
Due to high humidity, you might notice an increase in condensation, especially when the heat pump is used to cool or dehumidify. The condensate drain effectively removes this moisture.
If this drain is clogged, water can back up and cause leaks and water damage to the structure. So, regularly check and clean this drain. If there’s any water pooling, seek professionals immediately.
8.Be cautious of noises
Heat pumps are supposed to function quietly. So, if there are rattling, hissing, or buzzing noises, there’s possibly an issue. Look out for heating and cooling efficiency, as that will also be affected in this event.
Turn off the system immediately when you notice this and seek professionals to fix it. Avoid using the system in this condition, or it’ll lead to expensive repairs.
9.Use a heat pump cover
A heat pump cover efficiently protects the outdoor unit from dust, rain, and sun, preventing damage and frequent cleaning needs. Buy a cover that ensures sufficient airflow and heat release.
10.Don’t overuse it
Continuously using the heat pump can cause excess wear and tear, reducing its lifespan. Turn it off when not needed and only use at specific hours.
Conclusion
Proper heat pump maintenance extends its lifespan and manages utility bills. So, follow these efficient tips to protect your system from Auckland’s chaotic weather and ensure comfort in every season!
