If your home has a heat pump or a ductless mini split system that has kept you cool this year, and you had it serviced in the spring, you may think that you’ve done all you can to keep it in peak condition.
However, heat pumps and ductless systems are a bit more demanding when it comes to maintenance. Let’s discuss why you actually need to schedule heat pump and ductless mini split maintenance in Orange County, CA twice a year if you want it to perform efficiently and keep your utility bills low.
The Importance of Scheduling HVAC Maintenance
HVAC maintenance is an essential service, not an optional one. It allows our HVAC technicians to find and fix problems before they have the chance to develop far enough to damage the system. By scheduling maintenance, you can save a substantial amount of money over the entire lifespan of your system.
Regular maintenance is required in another way—it’s necessary to keep the warranty on your equipment valid. Not getting maintenance twice a year for ductless mini splits and heat pumps could potentially void the warranty on your system. Keep up with the warranty requirements by scheduling this service.
Why Heat Pumps and Mini Splits Need Bi-Annual Maintenance
We recommend bi-annual/twice-a-year maintenance for ducted heat pumps and ductless mini splits. This is often enough to slow down the effects of wear and tear, keep the system working at peak efficiency, maintain the warranty, and ensure that the system is free of potential issues that could result in an unexpected repair need or breakdown.
Maintenance is typically scheduled the season before the system is expected to be used the most often in order to help it cope with the added stress. However, ductless mini-split systems are used as both heaters and air conditioners. They receive twice as much stress and twice as much wear and tear, so they need twice as much maintenance.
Ideally, you should schedule maintenance for your system every spring and fall. Even if you miss those seasons, you should still try and schedule it whenever you can, even if it’s late in the cooling or heating season. It’s always better to schedule maintenance late in the season than not to schedule it at all.
Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Can Perform
Homeowners can maintain their mini splits and heat pumps by regularly cleaning or replacing air filters, typically every 1–3 months, to ensure proper airflow and efficiency. Keeping the outdoor unit free of debris such as leaves and dirt helps prevent blockages and maintains optimal airflow and performance.
If you have a ductless mini split system, cleaning the air filters on each air handler on a regular basis is essential. Put a reminder in your phone or write it on a calendar, however your reminder system works best. Forgetting to clean the filter is the quickest way to damage the system or experience an interruption in service.
Contact Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air for fast, professional heat pump and ductless mini split maintenance in Orange County, CA. We have served Orange County since 1981.