It’s not unusual to see
heat pumps in Durham, acting as two-in-one systems handling both heating and air conditioning
for a single household. Heat pumps cost less to run by and large than
traditional HVAC systems, and they work well in comparatively mild climates
like ours (especially when combined with a furnace in a hybrid system).
But they still require the same sort of maintenance that air conditioning
units do, in particular, the filters which need to be swapped out regularly
if the system is going to function the way it should.
Can a heat pump be damaged by clogged filters? Most definitely. And the
worst part is, that damage can take place invisibly over time.
The filter acts to remove dust, debris and other contaminants from the
circulating air. In the process, it also helps keep the heat pump itself
clean by preventing dust and dirt from coating the internal components.
When the filters get clogged, the heat pump gets dustier, which is where
damage can result. The most obvious spot is on the evaporator coils, which
excessive dust can serve as insulation between the refrigerant and the
air it’s trying to cool. The lost cooling potential will manifest as frost
or ice on the coils, which further retards the process and renders your
heat pump even less efficient. This will cost you plenty in higher monthly
bills as well as increasing the possibility of a more serious breakdown
in the future.
The increased amounts of dust also increases friction on moving parts in
the heat pump’s interior. Not only does that force the heat pump to work
harder (costing you money in monthly energy bills in the bargain), but
the stress and strain will further increase the chances of a more serious
breakdown in the future.
If you’re concerned about whether a heat pump can be damaged by clogged
filters, then the first step is to switch the filter out for a fresh one
every 2-3 months. You can also contact the experts at JD Service Now to
perform a routine maintenance visit once or twice a year. We handle maintenance
for heat pumps in Durham, as well as more serious repair issues.
Call us today to make an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!