Heat Pump Service FAQs
What needs to be serviced on a heat pump?
Heat pump service includes a variety of steps, including checking for any damaged parts, evaluating the refrigerant charge, confirming airflow, and more. Fortunately, you don’t need to worry about the specifics of these steps, because bringing in the team at Bailey's is the right way to take care of your heat pump service needs in a timely manner and for a fair price.
How often should you have a heat pump serviced?
Here in the Augusta area, where a heat pump is likely to work hard throughout the year, a couple of service visits annually is about right for most situations. The heat pump will be running frequently during the hot summer months, and will then need to go back to work in the winter to warm up the space. Talk with your HVAC professional about how many visits per year would be right for your system’s needs.
When should I change my heat pump filter in Augusta?
Changing the filter regularly is one of the best things you can do for your system, and swapping it out roughly once per month is a good benchmark. That’s typically sufficient during the times of year when the system is running often, such as the middle of summer or winter. In the “shoulder seasons” like spring and fall, you might be able to change the air filter only every couple of months, as long as the system isn’t working too hard.
What Happens if My Heat Pump Ices Up in the Winter?
An iced-over heat pump is much less effective at warming your Augusta home. If your heat pump ices up in the winter, you may be able to fix the problem yourself, or you may need to call a professional.
The outdoor unit of your heat pump may be icing over because of a dirty air filter, debris collecting around the unit, or incorrect thermostat settings. These are issues a homeowner can resolve by changing the filter, clearing clutter from around the unit, or making sure the thermostat is set to include a defrost cycle.
However, for more serious issues, like a damaged reversing valve, low refrigerant, or dirty condenser coils, you should reach out to Bailey's for professional heat pump repairs.
Are There Tax Credits or Rebates Available for Installing a New Heat Pump?
Yes, there absolutely are. Customers who install high-efficiency heating and cooling systems like heat pumps are eligible for rebates. To learn about the process and find a
rebate-qualified model of heat pump, visit
ENERGY STAR. This government site has information about tax credits available for installing energy-efficient HVAC systems.
How Noisy Are Heat Pumps Compared to Other HVAC Systems?
Heat pumps can often be quieter than other HVAC systems. For example, central air conditioners usually operate at around 50 to 70 decibels. A typical furnace operates at a sound level of 40 to 65 dB. An average heat pump produces sounds at a level of 40 to 60 dB. However, heat pump models specifically designed for quiet operation can dip as low as 38 dB. If you opt for a ductless heat pump, you avoid the secondary sound of air moving through metal ductwork.
What Size Heat Pump Do I Need for My Augusta Home?
The size of the heat pump you need depends on the size of your home. Generally speaking, larger Augusta homes will need bigger heat pumps. However, sizing a heat pump involves a variety of calculations involving your home’s floor plan, insulation quality, number of windows, and more. A poorly sized heat pump can leave you with uncomfortable temperatures or excessively high energy bills. The best way to ensure a correct heat pump installation is to hire a respected local HVAC company.