If you have recently installed or are considering getting an air-source heat pump for your Northern Virginia home, know you’re on the right track. The U.S. Department of Energy says modern heat pumps can reduce electricity use for space heating by up to 75%! They can also provide efficient cooling because they’re better at dehumidifying the air than other air conditioners.
However, you must schedule regular heat pump maintenance to continue enjoying its perks and pros. If you neglect this, you can expect many problems, from poor indoor air quality (IAQ) to increased heating and cooling bills.
To that end, the experts at KD Mechanical LLC put together this guide on the consequences of skipping or delaying heat pump upkeep. So please read on, as what you learn here can help you better understand why regular HVAC servicing and maintenance is necessary.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Like other home heaters and air conditioners, a heat pump system uses an air filter to capture airborne particles and pollutants. The more often and the longer you use your heat pump, the more contaminants can build up on its filter.
So, one of the most crucial Northern Virginia HVAC tips is to inspect your heat pump’s air filter once a month and change or wash it every one to three months. You should base the frequency on the following factors:
- The type of filter used: Some filters only last for a month, while others can be good for up to three months
- The air quality in your home: You may need more frequent filter changes or washes if you use gas appliances or a fireplace
- The air quality in your area: If you live near a busy road or a construction site, your air filter may need replacing or washing sooner
- The number of pets you have: The more pets you have, the more dander they produce, and the faster your heat pump filter can become clogged
- The season: Your heat pump sees more use during the peak cooling season (summer) and heating season (winter), so its air filter can become dirty more quickly
- The number of people living in your home: The more household members you have, the more indoor air pollutants there could be (e.g., for instance, more dander), warranting more frequent air filter changes or washing
Failure to replace air filters as part of your heat pump maintenance can result in the following IAQ problems.
Reduced Filtration
A clogged air filter can no longer effectively capture airborne pollutants like dust and allergens. Instead, these contaminants can pass through and circulate in the air.
Increased Airborne Pollutants
Unfiltered air that circulates throughout your home can lead to elevated levels of:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Dander
- Mold spores
- Other irritants
The problem is that all those pollutants can result in respiratory issues. For example, according to the U.S. CDC, mold exposure can cause symptoms even in people who aren’t allergic to mold. From eye and nose irritation to lung problems, these are just some problems mold (and other air pollutants) can cause.
People with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory concerns are at even greater risk. According to the American Lung Association, poor IAQ can exacerbate such conditions and contribute to or cause infections and chronic lung diseases.
Potential for Mold Growth
A heat pump dehumidifies or removes moisture from the air, allowing it to “cool” the air more efficiently. To do this, it “sucks” warm air through the filter and passes it over cold coils, causing the moisture to condense into water droplets.
Unfortunately, an ill-maintained heat pump can become less efficient in dehumidifying the air. For instance, if its coils become ridden with debris due to a dirty filter. Another is if the filter has become so clogged up, it has become a breeding ground for molds (and bacteria), which thrive in damp environments.
Either way, high indoor humidity levels encourage mold growth, which can further reduce your home’s indoor air quality.
Reduced HVAC System Efficiency
A heat pump system’s energy efficiency refers to its ability to cool and heat a home using the least energy possible. A heat pump is undoubtedly among the most energy-efficient comfort systems because it doesn’t “create” heat (unlike furnaces). Instead, it uses existing heat and just transfers it to your home.
However, skipping maintenance can cause even the most energy-efficient heat pumps installed by professionals to become inefficient due to the following.
Dirty Coils
Contaminant buildup on a heat pump’s coils impairs their ability to absorb and release heat effectively. As a result, the system has to work harder and use more energy than necessary to do its job, leading to inefficient cooling and heating.
Clogged Air Filters
Aside from compromising IAQ, a dirty air filter can also restrict airflow into the system. When this happens, the heat pump must work harder to heat or cool the air, increasing energy consumption.
Improper Lubrication
Heat pumps have many parts that require lubrication, such as the following:
- Fan motor
- Blower motor
- Moving bearings inside the system
The above components need lubrication to operate smoothly and avoid early wear and tear from friction. Unfortunately, the sooner and more worn out they get, the less able they are to perform their jobs. As a result, they can force the heat pump system to work harder and use more energy.
Also, components that lack the necessary lubrication can generate unwanted heat, further impacting a heat pump’s performance and efficiency.
Refrigerant Leaks
A heat pump relies on refrigerants as its primary medium for heat transfer. Thanks to these substances, the system can absorb thermal energy from one area (e.g., the outside air) and release it to another (like the inside of your home).
Still, a lack of heat pump maintenance can result in or contribute to refrigerant leaks by allowing the following problems to go unchecked.
- Worn seals and connections: Connections and seals on refrigerant lines can crack or become worn over time, allowing refrigerant to “escape” or leak
- Corrosion: A heat pump’s metal components can corrode over time, causing weak spots that can ultimately lead to leaks if not addressed with regular maintenance and proper cleaning
- Loose connections: Over time, vibrations generated by a running heat pump can cause connections to loosen slightly, resulting in potential leakages if not secured and tightened during maintenance
- Damaged components: Without regular inspection and cleaning, debris or impact-caused physical damage on a heat pump may go unnoticed, leading to potential leaks
The adverse effects of refrigerant leaks go beyond causing system inefficiencies; they can also become a health and safety concern. As the U.S. EPA explains, refrigerants, especially at high levels, can be toxic and asphyxiating (depriving the body of oxygen). They can also be flammable.
Increased Energy Costs
Anything that makes your heat pump work harder than it has to, such as a clogged air filter or dirty coils, causes the system to consume more energy. The more energy it uses, the higher your energy bills will be. Conversely, scheduling regular heating and air conditioning maintenance can help you save on heating and cooling costs.
Higher Likelihood of Needing Cooling and Heating System Repair
Imagine this for a moment. Whenever you exert more effort, whether physically or mentally, you feel tired and spent, don’t you? Overworking can also cause you to develop health problems.
Something like that happens to a heat pump that has to work harder than necessary. Here are some examples:
- Filthy air filters: When the system has to work harder due to clogged filters restricting airflow, its compressor can sustain potential damage
- Dirty evaporator coils: Dirt and debris accumulation on coils impairs heat transfer, resulting in the heat pump working harder and developing leaks that require prompt repairs; otherwise, the refrigerant can continuously leak
- Low refrigerant levels: When leaks cause low refrigerant levels, the system’s cooling and heating efficiency decreases, forcing the heat pump to work harder and require premature repairs
- Faulty fan motors: The fan blades of ill-maintained heat pumps can wear out faster, impairing heat dissipation and leading to costly icing issues
- Drainage problems: Clogged condensate drains can result in costly electrical issues and water damage
- Electrical component wear: Over time, electrical connections can corrode or loosen, impeding system functionality and giving rise to premature repairs
You already pay a lot to heat or cool your home, so the last thing you want is to spend even more on fixing your heat pump. Prevent this by scheduling regular maintenance, which, compared to repairs, is much easier on your pockets.
Reduced Comfort
While clogged filters or dirty coils won’t automatically make your heat pump break down, they can still cause its performance to drop. For instance, you may experience heating and air conditioning problems like:
- Poor airflow
- Insufficient cooling or heating
- Drainage issues
- Water and mold damage
- Noises
Now, remember that comfort goes hand in hand with health and wellness. Feeling comfortable can positively impact your physical and mental well-being (for example, being warm and toasty during fall and winter and keeping cool during summer in Northern Virginia). On the other hand, if you’re uncomfortable because it’s too hot or cold, you may also feel irritable or unwell.
Shortened System Lifespan
A lack of heat pump maintenance can shorten the system’s lifespan by hastening wear and tear. The faster the heat pump wears out, the greater its likelihood of experiencing premature breakdowns. The more often its components fail, the more money you spend on having professionals address and fix the problems.
After some time, you’ll likely get tired of all the repair bills your malfunctioning heat pump racks up. At this point, you may just decide to retire and replace the entire thing. Not only does it cost a lot of money, but it’s also unnecessary, considering that preventable, premature system failure is behind it.
No Heating or Cooling When You Need It the Most
Without proper maintenance, your heat pump can fail at the worst times, such as during Northern Virginia’s winter storms or extreme heat events. In such scenarios, it’s not just a mere inconvenience or uncomfortable situation; it can also be a safety concern.
For instance, when the temperature is frigid, a heat pump’s heating function can keep you and your loved ones warm enough to avoid cold-related illnesses. So, if it breaks down, you’re at risk of health conditions like hypothermia.
If your heat pump fails during a particularly hot day (think 90 °F or higher), your home can turn into what feels like an oven. You and your loved ones are at risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps and heat rash.
Increased Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) a person generates through actions and activities. For example, operating a heat pump powered by fossil fuel produces GHGs.
Using a heat pump should help curb your carbon footprint through its energy-efficient technology. However, this becomes moot if the system is ill-maintained, as it uses more energy than necessary.
As a result, a neglected heat pump can increase your carbon footprint, which means you generate more GHGs. You don’t want this because GHGs are behind global warming and climate change, which:
- Makes severe weather events, like extreme heat and storms, become more intense and frequent
- Raises the likelihood of droughts
- Causes oceans to warm up, raising sea levels and increasing the likelihood of flooding
- Contributes to poor health, such as illnesses caused by extreme heat and cold
Never Skip Heat Pump Maintenance
Skipping regular heat pump maintenance can have many consequences, including poor IAQ, reduced system efficiency, higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and a larger carbon footprint. You don’t want any of these problems, so it’s best to stay on top of regular HVAC servicing, once in the spring and another in the fall.
KD Mechanical LLC is happy to deliver all your heat pump maintenance needs in Northern Virginia. With over five decades of combined experience in all things HVAC, we can help ensure your heating and cooling system remains efficient and continues to bring you optimal comfort while lowering your environmental impact.
Speak with us today to learn how we can help or request your free quote!