5 Heat Pump Mistakes to Avoid Making in Ringgold, GA

As a Ringgold, GA, resident, you most likely rely on a heat pump to keep your home comfortable all year. However, like any other appliance, a heat pump can develop problems over time. Here are five common mistakes you must avoid to ensure your heat pump continues to operate without a hitch:

Improper Heat Pump Sizing

Heat pump size is crucial in maintaining energy efficiency. An undersized system needs to work harder to reach and sustain your desired temperature. On the other hand, having an oversized system wastes more energy.

Incorrect sizing causes premature wear and shortens the heat pump’s lifespan. A qualified HVAC service technician from Dalton Heating & Air will work with you to determine your home’s suitable heat pump size. We will look at the square footage of your Ringgold, GA, home, the number of doors and windows, and the amount of insulation.

Using Auto Mode Frequently

You may have set your heat pump to “auto” mode a few times more than necessary. However, this option is often inefficient and may shorten the unit’s life span.

Auto mode prompts your heat pump to switch from cool to warm or vice versa, depending on the temperature needs of the space. Although convenient, the constant switching leads to energy consumption, meaning you pay higher electricity bills.

Since we’re in spring, the best setting for your heat pump is “cool.” Keep the same setting for the summer months to keep your home comfortable during this season.

Incorrect Thermostat Setting

A common mistake many people make with their thermostat is setting it too low in the summer and the opposite in the winter. If you’re used to a thermostat setting that’s too high or too low, it’s time to reconsider the habit. These incorrect settings only lead to higher energy costs as the heat pump has to run longer.

According to the US Department of Energy, it helps to set the thermostat from 68 degrees to 70 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. For further savings, you can turn the thermostat down 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day to consume 10% less energy every year.

Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Like every other appliance you have in your home, your heat pump also needs attention in the form of regular maintenance checks. Be sure to call Dalton Heating & Air to schedule a visit from one of our qualified service technicians.

You only need maintenance inspections once or twice a year. Don’t forget to schedule them because it is important to identify potential problems before they become serious or impossible to repair.

There are critical maintenance tasks you can complete. Change the air filters whenever they appear dirty, usually every two to three months. If there are residents with allergies, you may want to change them more frequently.

Clean the outside unit. Ensure that no twigs or other debris are inside the enclosure. Remove any vegetation around the unit that might interfere with the airflow.

Very Low Fan Speed

This may sound strange, but it’s true that setting your heat pump to the lowest fan speed diminishes its efficiency. In fact, the appliance will consume more energy, which will quickly increase your utility bills.

Typically, the best solution is to set the fan to a more moderate speed. You can also set it to high speed but expect loud fan noises as it operates.

The good news is that you can easily avoid common heat pump blunders with our assistance. Our team can assess the potential issue and take proper corrective action. Contact Dalton Heating & Air for all your HVAC needs, including installations, repairs and maintenance of heat pumps.

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