The Importance of Regular Maintenance: How Often Should a Wall-Mounted Heat Pump Be Serviced?
As Montreal's leading HVAC company, AirGreen specializes in delivering superior heating and cooling solutions such as wall-mounted heat pumps, also referred to as mini-splits. In this in-depth guide, we will discuss the frequency at which these innovative systems should be serviced, an important consideration for ensuring their longevity and optimal functionality.
Understanding Wall-Mounted Heat Pumps
Wall-mounted heat pumps, or mini-splits, are ductless HVAC systems that comprise an indoor air-handling unit and an outdoor compressor. Joined by a conduit housing power and refrigerant lines, these state-of-the-art devices are hailed for their heating and cooling capabilities, ensuring year-round comfort.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Like all mechanical systems, wall-mounted heat pumps require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently and effectively. Regular servicing not only helps in maintaining the system's optimal performance but also extends its lifespan, enhances energy efficiency, and prevents costly repairs or replacements.
Energy Efficiency
Regular maintenance can help a wall-mounted heat pump retain 95% of its original efficiency. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the heat pump’s coils, impeding heat transfer and causing the system to work harder. Regular servicing helps ensure that these components are clean and working efficiently.
Prolonged Lifespan
A well-maintained wall-mounted heat pump can last up to 15 years or more. Preventative maintenance helps spot any potential issues early, ensuring that minor problems don’t escalate into major ones that can compromise the system's lifespan.
Cost Savings
Scheduled servicing of a wall-mounted heat pump can save significant costs in the long run. Regular maintenance helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, saving you from costly repairs or the need for premature replacement.
Indoor Comfort
Regular servicing of your wall-mounted heat pump ensures consistent indoor temperatures and improved air quality. A poorly maintained heat pump may struggle to maintain desired temperature levels and can circulate dust and other airborne particles, impacting your indoor air quality.
Frequency of Servicing
As a general guideline, your wall-mounted heat pump should be serviced at least once a year. However, the frequency of servicing may increase depending on factors like usage, system age, and environmental conditions.
High-Usage Environments
In environments where the heat pump is used extensively throughout the year for both heating and cooling, more frequent servicing may be necessary. At AirGreen, we recommend scheduling a check-up before the start of summer and winter seasons to ensure your system is ready to handle the peak load.
Older Systems
As systems age, they may require more frequent attention. Older heat pumps may not operate as efficiently as newer models and may need more frequent maintenance to prolong their useful life.
Dusty or Polluted Environments
If your home or business is located in a high-dust or polluted area, your wall-mounted heat pump may need to be serviced more frequently. Increased dust and pollutants can clog filters more quickly and reduce the system's efficiency.
What to Expect During a Service Visit
A professional service visit for a wall-mounted heat pump typically includes:
- Cleaning or replacing the filters
- Checking and cleaning the coils and condensate drain
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Evaluating the system’s performance
- Checking refrigerant levels and inspecting for leaks
- Cleaning and inspecting the outdoor unit