Handy FAQs for Heat Pumps That Virginia Homeowners Need to Know
Virginia is a beautiful place to live, so people continue to move to this great state and call it home. Whether it has been home for a few months, a few years, or decades, taking care of the home is a key priority for Victorian homeowners. Having a new and well-maintained heat pump system can help make staying comfortable all year long easier.
Whether the home has a deducted heat pump setup, a compact mini split heat pump, or a ductless heat pump system, staying on top of maintenance and repairs is critical - a sweltering summer or chilly winter could be in store otherwise! Local plumbing and heating excerpts can assist with heat pump installation and upkeep.
What Is a Heat Pump Anyway, and How Do They Work?
Before getting into the nitty gritty of heat pump installation and maintenance, it is important to know what a heat pump is and how these vital systems operate. Heat pumps provide homeowners with a safe, affordable, and more sustainable alternative to furnaces and air conditioners. They can be utilized in all climates but are handy in places like Virginia, where their share of high and low-temperature extremes exist.
Like a regular refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to move heat from one area to another- heating an area or cooking it depending on where the hot hair is being moved. In hot weather, heat pumps pull heated air into the home. Heat pumps push the hot air out of the home to cool it down in cooler weather. Because they move air from one place to another, rather than generating heat, heat pump systems can keep the home at a comfortable temperature with much less energy usage.
How Can a Heat Pump Benefit Me and My Family?
With a heat pump, families can enjoy the following benefits:
- Year-Round Comfort: Depending on the setting, a heat pump works as a heater or air conditioner and can save homeowners money on their utility bills by lowering power demands.
- Lower Energy Use: Heat pump repair and maintenance can keep a system running effectively for optimal sustainability and long-term return on investment in lower energy bills.
- Climate Friendly: A traditional deducted heat pump setup, a mini split heat pump, or a modern ductless heat pump system is more eco-friendly than traditional HVAC systems.
- Improved Air Quality: Most heat pumps are designed to provide optimal airflow and add dehumidification and filtration system features to keep the air clean.
- Lower Maintenance: A good heat pump system can be easily maintained, and a heat pump installation can last many years, reducing the need for expensive repairs.
How do I Know if My Heat Pump Needs Repair or Maintenance?
For homeowners with a heat pump installed, maintenance and upkeep are key to keeping the system working all year. Annual inspections by a heating and cooling professional are recommended, but what about during the rest of the year? What major warning signs might indicate an issue with a heat pump system that should not be ignored? Here are five things you should never ignore:
- The Heat Pump System Will Not Turn On: If the heating or cooling features don't work or the system won't turn on at all, that is a major red flag.
- A Pump System is Heating and Cooling Less Effectively: A drop in heating and cooling power may happen gradually, so be aware of changes in the indoor temperature norms.
- The Heat Pump Has to Run All the Time to Maintain Temperature: Most heat pump systems are not meant to run 24/7, so if that is ended to maintain air temperature, something is off.
- The Home Heat Pump is Making Noises, or There Are Unusual Odors: It is never a good idea to ignore sudden bad smells or odd sounds from the home heat pump setup.
- Changes in Energy Bill That Cannot Be Explained or Accounted For Usage can fluctuate, but surprisingly high bills are a prime indication the system needs some maintenance work.
About Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
The benefit of working with local heat pump specialists is clear when you call Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. With years of experience, a fully trained team of experts, and a proven track record throughout the state, it is easy to see why more homeowners call them for heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance!
