Spring is officially here and that means many homeowners have started tackling their spring cleaning and maintenance tasks. We hope that scheduling AC maintenance in Union, NJ is near the top of the priority list! If it’s not, there’s no better time like the present to get it done.
With our unpredictable weather, warmer temperatures could be just around the corner. That means it’s the perfect time to schedule a tune-up of your home’s workhorse: the heat pump. If you’re wondering why we’re recommending maintenance if you just had your heat pump maintained in the fall, read on to learn why heat pumps need bi-annual maintenance.
Yes, heat pumps need twice-a-year maintenance
If you think that a heat pump needs maintenance only once a year, you’re possibly confusing the way a heat pump works with the way a boiler, furnace, or AC works. These systems either heat or cool your home; they don’t do both. But your heat pump provides both heating and cooling. That means it has a lot less downtime than these other systems.
It’s also important to know that a heat pump isn’t a combination of two different types of systems. It’s essentially an air conditioner that uses a reversing valve to allow it to switch between heating and cooling. That means it uses the same components to heat your home as it does to cool your home. It’s a real workhorse, pulling double duty while depending on the same components to get the job done.
When should I schedule maintenance?
Ideally, maintenance happens in the spring and fall. In fact, the best time to schedule spring maintenance is right now before the hot weather hits. In the world of HVAC, this is known as the shoulder season. It’s usually a time when our technicians aren’t as busy with repairs and installations.
However, once the hot weather hits and people start relying on their air conditioners, that’s when problems are discovered–especially on those systems that haven’t been maintained regularly. Right now truly is the best time to schedule maintenance. Not only will we be able to service your heat pump right away, but you also won’t need to worry about having it out of commission for the time it takes us to maintain it.
What happens if I skip maintenance?
Heat pumps that haven’t received maintenance are:
- More likely to need repairs or break down entirely. In fact, most of the repair calls we get are on heat pumps that haven’t had maintenance.
- More likely to have performance issues. You can expect lackluster and uneven cooling that’ll leave you frustrated on hot days. You’ll also see higher utility bills as your heat pump struggles.
- More likely to need an early replacement. Heat pumps should last 10-15 years but that estimate ONLY applies to systems that have been maintained on a twice-a-year basis.
Schedule Service with Our Team
Annual heat pump maintenance visits can help to prevent your system from breaking down when you need it the most. You get a standard tune-up and cleaning of the system that allows for efficient operation and can help to prevent repairs.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, A Corp. is your trusted resource for reliable AC maintenance. Reach out to us today.