How Frequently Should I Clean My Heat Pump Filters?
Heat pumps are terrific at keeping your home comfy and not driving up your energy costs. They offer consistent HVAC services all year. Birmingham summers are hot and humid, and consistent air conditioning is a must. Clogged heat pump filters cause weak airflow, weird smells, and system meltdowns.
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we can spot heat pump problems fast. If you need help figuring out sudden problems, we can come to the rescue. We can check your system and pinpoint the issue. Our technicians can make sure you are using the right air filters and correct related problems.
Heat pump filters aren’t just some boring afterthought. They are the secret ingredient to keeping your heat pump cleaner and more efficient. The system runs smoother and keeps your costs low. Keep reading and learn how often to change your heat pump filter.
Why Air Filters Are Important
Air gets pulled in through the return duct and then hits the filter. The filter is a safeguard for a heat pump, grabbing dust and gunk so it stays out of the system. If you forget to replace it, it becomes nasty and clogged. Consequently, so does your heat pump, and then it has a blockage.
A blockage limits proper airflow, making the system work harder. If it continues at this pace, you won’t get optimized energy efficiency, and your heat pump could fail.
How to Change Your Air Filter
The heat pump filters are inside the return air duct in most models. You can pull the grill off the return and remove the filter. Replace the filter and put the grill back.
A ductless unit’s filter is behind the front panel of the air handler. Unscrew the panel and remove the filter. Replace the filter and reconnect the panel. Pay attention to the filter’s measurements when you replace it. It can cause problems if it’s the wrong size.
Circumstances That Require Additional Filter Changes
We recommend monthly air filter changes under typical circumstances. However, there are instances in which you will need to change heat pump filters more often. Here are circumstances in which you should monitor your filter more proactively and change accordingly:
Indoor Pets
If you have pets, they will shed hair everywhere. You’ll find it on your furniture and flooring. Hair and pet dander will fall into your floor vents and get sucked back into the unit. You can vacuum daily and get your pets groomed. But these tasks won’t stop all the hair and dander from entering the unit.
Dirt Road Living
A higher volume of dirt enters your unit if you live on a dirt road. If it’s Alabama red clay dirt, it is an even greater challenge. Heat pumps pull air from outside your home. Every time someone drives on the dirt road or you cut your lawn, it stirs up dirt into the air.
You should check your heat pump filters weekly if you live on a dirt road. You’ll reduce the amount of dirt in your home and improve your air quality.
Your Heat Pump Runs Continuously
Alabama’s hot and humid temperatures can last from May to early October. So, you may leave your heat pump on all the time to keep your home cooler. If it runs all the time, your air filter can become dirty faster.
You can create cooling schedules on a smart thermostat. The thermostat adjusts the temperature according to the schedule. Your unit won’t run as often at a higher temperature.
You can connect your smart thermostat to your home WiFi. Next, download the thermostat’s app onto your device. Create a user account and add your thermostat according to the instructions. You can use the app from anywhere to adjust your thermostat settings.
Close Proximity to Your Kitchen
Sometimes, air duct returns are installed in kitchens. Grease particles get into the air when you’re cooking. These particles can get pulled into the air filter. If it does, the grease can coat the filter, and you’ll need to replace it.
Extra Steps to Improve Your Heat Pump’s Functionality
By now, you know how important a clear air filter is. But, changing het pump filters isn’t the only critical step for maintaining a heat pump. The following are extra steps to improve how your heat pump works.
Removing Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
You must keep the area around your outdoor unit clear. Mow your lawn consistently and bag up the trimmings. Rack leaves away from the unit in the fall.
Annual Maintenance and Seasonal Cleaning
We can perform annual heat pump maintenance. Our technicians test all its components, lubricate moving parts, and repair problems as we find them. We can also make sure your thermostat is regulating the temperature and engaging the unit correctly.
Seasonal cleaning services are a must, too. It’s best to schedule these services semi-annually. We will remove dirt, leaves, and particles from the unit. Our technicians check your filter, too. We can make recommendations for keeping the unit cleaner.
How We Can Help
We can improve your heat pump’s functionality and your air quality. Our technicians can service all heat pump models. We offer guidance and tips for keeping heat pump filters cleaner and optimizing how your unit runs.
We can evaluate your system, pinpoint the problem , and perform repairs. We’ll give you a free quote for repair services and schedule our repair services fast. If it’s time for a new heat pump, we can recommend a system that can withstand the Alabama heat and keep you comfortable.
Cleaner heat pumps perform well all year, and you’ll avoid unnecessary repair costs. Heat pump filters may seem miniscule, but they are vital. They capture dust and debris, stopping blockages and improving air quality. Knowing how often to change filters helps you maintain the heat pump.
We can make sure you’re using the correct filter size and perform annual maintenance services. Contact us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating for HVAC services today. We’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime.
