If your heat pump doesn’t seem to be having any problems, maintenance might seem like one of those tasks that you can postpone. However, your heat pump may have small issues that will turn into big, expensive problems if they aren’t caught early.
In addition, Florida’s heat and humidity puts an extra strain on heat pumps. Heat pumps that aren’t maintained are more likely to break down and have shorter overall lifespans. In addition, you may have higher energy bills, poor airflow and a less comfortable home.
Quick Takeaways
- Without maintenance, energy costs may increase.
- Heat pumps have to work harder if components aren’t cleaned.
- Minor issues become bigger, more expensive ones.
- Heat pumps that aren’t maintained may not last as long.
- Maintenance is particularly important in Florida’s humid climate.
- You can count on a professional tune-up to make your heat pump more efficient and breakdowns less likely.
What Happens if You Skip Heat Pump Maintenance?
If you don’t schedule regular maintenance, you’re more likely to need an emergency repair. Neglect means more strain on your system, less efficiency, problems with airflow and higher humidity in your home.
1. Higher Energy Bills
Your energy bills are likely to go up without maintenance because if your filters are clogged, this reduces airflow. In addition, your system may operate less efficiently if the coils aren’t cleaned. It will have to run longer than a well-maintained unit to reach your set temperature, and this will cost you money.
Maintenance is especially important in Lakeland’s climate. The heat and humidity mean that your heat pump is in operation all the time. If you neglect maintenance, your heat pump costs can increase as it struggles to maintain comfort throughout the summer.
2. More Breakdowns and Expensive Repairs
There are a number of small problems that can get worse over time if you skip maintenance. Maintenance can catch issues like refrigerant leaks and airflow issues, which can damage your compressor, before they become serious.
Strain on electrical components is another common wear and tear problem for neglected heat pumps. Keep in mind that preventative maintenance is probably substantially cheaper than an emergency repair.
3. Shorter Heat Pump Lifespan
Wear and tear is accelerated when your system is under additional strain due to neglect. This can take years off your heat pump’s lifespan.
A neglected heat pump may last only 8-10 years. One that is well-maintained could last 15 or more years.
This means that a heat pump could potentially last twice as long with regular maintenance than a neglected heat pump. A new heat pump costs thousands of dollars, so this savings is significant.
4. Poor Cooling and Humidity Control
If you don’t maintain your heat pump, it will struggle to keep you comfortable during a long, hot Florida summer. Weak airflow or other problems can cause uneven temperatures.
In addition, heat pumps keep indoor humidity down. If yours isn’t operating efficiently, the air can feel begin to feel sticky inside just as it does outside.
5. Frozen Coils and Drain Line Problems
If your evaporator coils aren’t clean, they may freeze. In addition, if your condensate lines become clogged, this can lead to leaks and other moisture problems. These condensation issues are even more common in Florida’s humid climate.
Why Skipping Heat Pump Maintenance Is Worse in Florida
In Florida, we have a few additional challenges compared to other states that make heat pump maintenance important. This includes a long cooling season and high humidity. Your system, which both heats and cools, operates almost year-round.
Our climate also produces plenty of pollen as well as debris and buildup from storms. All of this adds up to a greater strain on HVAC systems in Lakeland homes.
What Professional Heat Pump Maintenance Includes
Indoor System Inspection
We’ll check your air filter, clean your drain line, test your thermostat and inspect your evaporator coil.
Outdoor Unit Inspection
For your outdoor unit, we’ll clean your condenser coil and check your refrigerant. We’ll also carry out electrical testing and airflow evaluation.
How Often Should Heat Pumps Be Serviced?
You should schedule a tune-up in the spring and the fall. This gets your heat pump ready for the summer and winter ahead.
However, living in Florida, there are additional demands on your system. You may want to schedule inspection more than twice a year. We can make recommendations based on your usage and needs.
FAQ
Can skipping heat pump maintenance cause a breakdown?
Your heat pump may be more vulnerable to a breakdown because small issues don’t get addressed when there’s no maintenance. By the time you realize there’s a problem, your system might have stopped working altogether.
How long can a heat pump go without maintenance?
Your heat pump should receive professional maintenance at least twice a year. While it may run without maintenance for years, its lifespan is likely to be five or more years shorter.
Does heat pump maintenance lower energy bills?
Yes, your heat pump will run more efficiently with regular maintenance, and this keeps your energy bills down.
Can dirty coils damage a heat pump?
Yes, dirty coils force other parts of your heat pump to work harder. This can wear out those components quickly.
Is heat pump maintenance really necessary in Florida?
Yes, heat pump maintenance is even more important in Florida than in other places. Our heat and humidity cause your system to work very hard. In addition, storm debris, pollen and other substances mean that components get dirty and need regular cleaning.
Reach Out to Lakeland’s Heat Pump Experts Today
Schedule regular professional maintenance with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning for your Lakeland home before small issues turn into expensive repairs.
We offer heat pump maintenance services throughout the Lakeland area. At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we help Lakeland homeowners keep their heat pumps running efficiently through Florida’s long cooling season.
You can rely on us to deliver prompt, efficient service. We’re always on time or you don’t pay a dime.