Servicing heatpumps vital
As winter temperatures drop to single-digit numbers, the need for heatpump reliability becomes top of mind for many householders.
An annual maintenance check may be the difference between continuing comfort and shivering regretfully while you await the arrival of a heatpump repairman.
Rob Spink, who has been operating Bemer Heatpump Cleaning since 2009, says more and more heat pump owners are becoming aware of the importance of getting their heatpumps cleaned.
‘‘Heat pumps need to be cleaned regularly otherwise they will not work properly as dirt, dust, moulds and grease over time, will clog vital components,’’ he says.
‘‘A clean heat pump will also provide warmer, healthier air inside your home. A properly maintained heat pump will extend its operational life and save you money as a clean heatpump works more efficiently and therefore uses less electricity.’’
Rob has been encountering increasing evidence of rodent intrusion that requires him to seal potential entry points that give mice and even rats access to the rear of indoor heating units. While establishing for themselves a comfortable living environment, they may chew on wires and packing material inside the unit, causing it to malfunction.
A thorough heat pump clean normally takes at least an hour. The process starts with testing the heat pump to check for any sign of abnormal operation or possible mechanical faults and to ensure the heat pump reaches and maintains the required operating temperature.
The external unit is checked for any signs of coolant leakages around fittings and then compressed air is used to remove dirt, dust, leaves and the like. This is followed by the application of a refrigerantspecific, outdoor degreaser to the coil which is left to soak before being rinsed off.
The internal unit is then dismantled and compressed air is used to blow out any loose dirt. A refrigerant-specific organic degreaser is used to clean the removable filters and other relevant parts.
The internal unit is then sanitised with a hospital grade coil and duct disinfectant. Once this is completed the remote is checked to make sure it is set up correctly and its batteries tested. They are replaced if the charge is less than 50 per cent.