Heat Pump Maintenance Tips

HEAT PUMP MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST FOR HOMEOWNERS

HEAT PUMP PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE - DIY

Every homeowner should know how to spot serious trouble and know when to call an expert for help. Follow these helpful tips to get the most out of your heat pump and save on energy.

• Check the heat pump for snow or ice build up during the winter. Your heat pump needs access to outside air to work properly. If snow or ice build up restricts the air flow, you’ll lose efficiency and your heat pump will strain to keep pace with demand.
• Remove foliage from around the outdoor unit and keep shrubs at least 18 inches away from the heat pump on all sides.
• Heat pumps should be elevated 4 to 8 inches above the ground to allow for proper drainage. Make sure your outdoor unit does not sit below a leaking gutter. Water may collect and freeze - restricting air flow.
• Clean or change your filters once a month, or as needed.
• Keep the registers open.
• Clean outdoor coils whenever they appear dirty.
• During the heating season, try not to set the thermostat below 65 degrees.
• In the cooling season, try not to set the thermostat below 70 degrees. It will help lower your utility costs and reduce usage.

HEAT PUMP MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

SERVICING YOUR HEAT PUMP - DEALER CHECKLIST

Schedule a preventative maintenance checkup with your local dealer at least once a year. The best times to schedule is in the fall before winter weather arrives and in the spring before AC season. Here’s what your dealer will do during your heat pump service appointment.

• Check all ducts, filters, blower, and indoor coil for dirt and other obstructions.
• Check for and repair duct leakage.
• Confirm that your heat pump is receiving adequate airflow.
• Correct refrigerant charge.
• Check for refrigerant leaks and replace any lost refrigerant.
• Inspect electric terminals, and, if necessary, clean and tighten connections, and apply non-conductive coating.
• Lubricate motors, and inspect belts for tightness and wear.
• Correct electric control, making sure that heating is locked out when the thermostat calls for cooling and vice versa.
• Inspect the heat pump’s condensing unit base-pan drain holes and remove debris.
• Verify thermostat sensors are working properly.

CHANGING YOUR HEAT PUMP FILTER

CLEAN OR REPLACE YOUR FILTER REGULARLY

Taking care of the filter is one of the most important things you can do for your heat pump. As the system circulates air, it filters the air in your home and extracts excess moisture to help control humidity.

WHY SHOULD I CHANGE MY AIR FILTER?

When your heat pump circulates the air in your home, dust and dirt particles build up on the filter. Excessive accumulation can block the airflow, forcing your heat pump to work harder to maintain a constant temperature. The harder your unit has to work, the more energy it uses.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY HEAT PUMP FILTER?

The easy answer is to change your filter when it gets dirty. For every home and homeowner, how quickly your filter gets filled up depends on several factors like home size, pets and others.

• Change your heat pump filter once a month.

HOW DO I CHANGE MY AIR FILTER?

First, find out where the filter is located in your system and then follow these steps. If you have any questions, contact your local Trane Dealer.

• Turn off your heat pump.
• Find out your filter size.
• Remove old filter.
• Insert new filter (make sure you follow the air flow arrows).

HEAT PUMP PROBLEMS?

HEAT PUMP TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

Here a few common problems and quick fixes to try if your heat pump isn’t working properly.

For more heat pump troubleshooting tips, check out our Heat pump troubleshooting guide or our list of 5 common misconceptions about heat pumps.

PROACTIVE TIPS FOR PREVENTING POOR HEAT PUMP PERFORMANCE

HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR HEAT PUMP

• Schedule routine maintenance checks.
• Clear debris away from the outdoor unit.
• Change your filters regularly.
• Install a programmable thermostat.

HEAT PUMPS OWNER'S GUIDE

DOWNLOAD OUR HEAT PUMP USER GUIDES

For specific tips and details about how to maintain and service your Trane heat pump model, visit our User Guides page. You’ll find details and helpful information for all our heat pumps (XV20i, XL16i, XL15i, XR15, XR13, XB14, XB13, XB300).