If you have a heat pump, you may be wondering whether these systems need more care compared to a central air conditioner. Or maybe you’re hoping to switch from one system to the other and wondering about maintenance and repairs over the life of the unit.
You can keep reading to learn more about the types of repairs a heat pump needs compared to a central air conditioner. Then give us a call for your central AC or heat pump service, including a heat pump stuck in heat mode in Chambersburg.
Heat Pump Vs. Central AC
Heat pumps and central air conditioners operate very similarly when it comes to cooling. They both use refrigerant lines and have a central indoor unit and a central outdoor unit. The key difference between the two systems is that a heat pump has a handful of additional components that allow refrigerant to move in the opposite direction through the lines.
By doing this, your heat pump can also heat your home in addition to cooling it. This means that your heat pump is also operating for a longer portion of the year since you’re using it for both heating and cooling no matter what season it is. So technically speaking, it is possible for heat pumps to face more repairs compared to central air conditioners for the simple fact that they have more components and operate all year long.
However, if you care for your heat pump and keep up with both homeowner and professional maintenance, you greatly reduce the chances of having unexpected repairs. The same thing goes for your central air conditioner if you have one. Maintenance is the key to maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of any HVAC system.
Unique Heat Pump Repair Needs
The single repair that is most frequent on a heat pump compared to a central air conditioner is the reversing valve. When you switch your thermostat from heating to cooling or vice versa, the reversing valve on your heat pump engages to switch modes.
This reversing valve allows refrigerant to move in the opposite direction in the lines to either remove heat from your home or absorb heat from the outside, and bring it into your home. Sometimes the reversing valve can get stuck and need to be cleaned and repaired or completely replaced. Examples of other unique heat pump components that may need repairs include:
- An extra expansion valve
- Controls for defrosting the outdoor unit
- Suction accumulator
Heat Pump Care Tips
On a monthly basis you should be changing the air filter, rinsing off the outdoor units, and pouring some vinegar into the condensate drain line for your heat pump. These steps go a long way towards keeping your heat pump operating well. You also need to schedule professional maintenance for your heat pump twice each year.
This may seem like a lot, but your heat pump is being used all year long without any breaks. If you had a separate heater and air conditioner, you would schedule annual maintenance once for each of the systems. So think of it as scheduling professional maintenance once for your heat pump and a second time for your heat pump as a heater.
To schedule your heat pump service, contact Premier HVAC Services today!