Checklist: DIY Home Heat Pump Maintenance
A big part of climate action in Oregon includes transitioning homes and other buildings off of climate-polluting fossil fuel furnaces and onto all-electric, energy-efficient heat pumps that can run on 100% clean energy. Many Oregonians have already made the switch to electric heat pumps as their primary–or only–source of heating and cooling in their homes.
Quick facts about heat pumps
→ Depending on the current form of heating, switching to a heat pump could save the average household $670 or more per year in energy costs.
→ Beyond heating, heat pumps also provide lifesaving cooling during extreme heat at a fraction of the energy use of an air conditioner.
→ Buildings are Oregon’s second-largest source of climate pollution. Heat pumps reduce greenhouse pollution by 84% per home!
→ Heat pumps work by moving heat from one place to another. Unlike oil or gas furnaces that cycle through blasts of higher temperatures, heat pumps draw from the surrounding air to maintain a constant temperature.
→ Heat pumps work in warm and cold climates, and there are several types of heat pump systems to meet a home’s specific needs.
→ In September, Governor Kotek joined 25 other state governors as part of the U.S Climate Alliance in pledging to quadruple the number of heat pump installations in homes by 2030.
→ The Federal Inflation Reduction Act and Oregon’s recently passed Climate Resilience Package both include funding to encourage more clean energy and help families cover the cost of home energy upgrades, like switching to heat pumps.
“Set it and forget it” to make the most of your home’s heat pump
Set a consistent temperature. It might seem counterintuitive, but you won’t save energy by turning down your thermostat heat pump at night. Your heat pump will work most efficiently–and save the most money and energy–when the temperature is set at a comfortable level. This prevents the system from working hard to heat or cool the house based on a moving target.
This article from Decarbonize Your Life shares the story of one Portland family that used heat pump efficiency data to resolve an all-too-common thermostat dispute: “We now have several winter months of comparative data and found that we used 7% less energy this winter by leaving our heat pumps at a standard temperature, and this winter was colder!”
Going with a set temperature is especially efficient for mini-split ductless heat pumps, which are almost twice as efficient when run at a constant set point, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Like all heating and cooling systems, heat pumps need proper maintenance to run smoothly. These tips will help ensure a heat pump is keeping your home comfortable while operating at optimal efficiency.
DIY Checklist for Heat Pump Maintenance
1. Clean or change filters. Reduced airflow from dirty filters decreases performance and can damage your system’s compressor. Heat pump filters should be changed or cleaned a minimum of two times each year, or as needed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During periods of poor air quality or seasons of daily use, you may want to change the filter more frequently.
2. Clear any leaves and clutter from around the outdoor unit. If there are any plants or shrubs nearby, make sure they are trimmed to provide 18 inches of clearance on all sides. (This is good to do with any vegetation near buildings.)
3. Clean outdoor coils and fan, if needed. Inspect your heat pump’s coils and fan, and if they appear dirty, follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning them.
4. Inspect your home’s supply and return registers. Clean off dust and debris, and straighten their fins if bent.
5. Open all vents. Keeping air vents open ensures air can flow unimpeded, increasing system efficiency.
6. Call the pros. In addition to routine DIY maintenance, be sure to have your heat pump serviced periodically by a licensed professional. Experts recommend an annual tune-up to ensure everything is working properly and that the system is operating to provide the most efficient heating and cooling for your home.
Time to update your home’s heating or cooling? Check out EnergyTrust of Oregon for incentives available for heat pump upgrades.
OEC’s work to reduce greenhouse pollution and protect the climate is made possible by people across the state who care about safeguarding Oregon’s future. Make a difference. Become a member of OEC today.
Resources:
https://carbonswitch.com/how-does-a-heat-pump-work/
https://carbonswitch.com/heat-pump-savings/
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems
https://www.energytrust.org/residential/incentives/furnace-and-heat-pump
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