If you reside in an area with a moderate climate, a heat pump is an efficient way to keep your house warm and comfortable during the colder months of the year.

Unlike traditional furnace or boiler-based heating systems, which burn fuel to produce the heat needed to heat up your home, heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air and bring it into your home. This working principle helps to minimize the amount of energy used for home heating purposes.

While heat pumps help to save energy on heating system operations, they require ongoing maintenance to keep working reliably and efficiently. 

Here are some simple tasks you can perform yourself to keep your heat pump in good working condition.

Check and Adjust Your Thermostat

Your heat pump uses a thermostat to regulate your home's temperature during winter. The ideal winter temperature setting for your home will vary depending on where you live. That said, setting the temperature slightly lower when you're going to sleep or leaving home can help to save energy while reducing the strain on your heat pump.

For this reason, you should regularly check and adjust your thermostat to optimize your temperature settings.

If you want to avoid the hassle of manually adjusting the temperature multiple times a day, consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat, which automatically adjusts the temperature based on your preferences at different times of the day.

Whether you have a regular or programmable thermostat, always check to confirm it is working correctly.

Keep the Indoor and Outdoor Units Clean and Free of Obstructions

Your heat pump is a two-part heating system. Regularly clean both the indoor and outdoor units of the system to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from accumulating on them and causing damage. Also, ensure the space around these units is clear of any objects or debris that can affect proper ventilation and lead to moisture problems.

You can keep your indoor and outdoor units in tip-top shape by cleaning them with a vacuum and soft-bristled brush.

Replace Air Filters Regularly

If the filter that removes contaminants from the air entering your heat pump is not replaced or cleaned regularly, it can prevent proper airflow through the system. When this happens, the heating system will struggle to keep you warm and cozy.

Luckily, removing and replacing a dirty filter is an easy task. All you have to do is purchase the right filter for your heat pump and consult the user's manual for instructions and guidance on how to replace it.

While you can take on some heat pump maintenance tasks on your own, others require professional handling to do them safely and correctly. 

If you're unsure about how to go about heat pump maintenance, it's best to seek out an HVAC specialist for help. 

For more info about heating repair, contact a local company.