7 Consequences of Skipping Heat Pump Maintenance in Merritt Island, FL
Installing a heat pump in your Merritt Island, FL home is a significant investment. Regular heat pump maintenance is essential to protect that investment. Here are seven consequences of skipping heat pump maintenance.
1. Declining Performance
One of the most significant consequences of skipping heat pump maintenance is declining performance. Initially, you may not notice any changes, except in the form of increasing electricity bills. Since high efficiency is one of the most important reasons to install a heat pump, that’s a big deal.
One of the performance-reducing problems your heat pump may develop is a refrigerant leak, as your system relies on refrigerant to do its job. Small leaks may go undetected for long periods if you don’t keep up with your heat pump’s required maintenance. Our HVAC technician will check your system for leaks during each maintenance visit.
Catching refrigerant leaks as early as possible will also reduce the odds of damaging your heat pump’s compressor. The refrigerant also carries lubricating oil that prevents the compressor from overheating. When that happens, your entire heat pump will suffer reduced performance due to the friction in the compressor.
2. Reduced Lifespan
You can expect an average of 15 years of reliable use from your heat pump with proper regular maintenance. If you skip your annual or bi-annual maintenance visits, your heat pump will have a shorter lifespan. Plus, your heat pump will likely need more frequent and more significant repairs.
3. Potential Safety Issues
Heat pumps are complex electrical devices. When kept in good condition, they’ll operate safely year-round. However, skipping maintenance can change that over time.
Without regular maintenance, your heat pump could become a safety hazard. For instance, it may suffer loosening electrical connections that increase your risk of shock. Or, it might overheat because of a dirty coil and pose a fire risk.
4. Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Part of regular heat pump maintenance involves cleaning your system’s inner workings. Even if you stay on top of replacing your heat pump air filter, some dirt will always elude it. Then, it can lodge in your heat pump’s fans and coils.
From there, it may dislodge as your heat pump operates and circulate in your home via its ductwork. The result is persistently poor air quality. It will also make your ductwork dirty, hastening your need to have it professionally cleaned.
5. Compromised Humidity Control
Living in Merritt Island, FL means dealing with high humidity for much of the year. The good news is that heat pumps do an excellent job of controlling that humidity. However, yours may lose its ability to control moisture in your home without maintenance.
Common issues like blocked condensate drains or dirty coils may reduce your heat pump’s dehumidification capability. A clogged condensate drain may lead to your indoor coil icing up, preventing further cooling and dehumidification. Dirty coils have a similar effect because they prevent effective heat transfer, which leaves more moisture in your air.
6. Warranty Problems
Have you ever looked closely at the conditions of your heat pump’s warranty? It may include regular maintenance as one of its requirements. Often, manufacturer warranties specify at least annual maintenance visits as a minimum requirement.
If you neglect regular maintenance, you might get an unpleasant surprise if a system component fails. Your heat pump’s manufacturer may refuse to honor your warranty, and you’ll get stuck with the repair bill.
7. Reduced Comfort
At the end of the day, your heat pump’s most important job is to keep your home comfortable. If you don’t maintain your heat pump, you’ll feel less comfortable than you should. And you’ll still be paying for the electricity your system uses even if it’s not maintaining your desired temperature.
Heat pumps are a fantastic comfort option for Merritt Island, FL homes, but skipping maintenance can hamper their operation. Call Anna’s Air and Heat today to schedule a maintenance visit for your heat pump.
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