Even AZ homeowners need to service their heat pumps!
Most of us living in Arizona don't run our heat very often. However, it's still important to do regular maintenance on your heat pump... especially since your heat pump also cools your home in the summer months! Although heat pumps and air conditioners function differently, they both produce condensation as they cool. This condensation collects in a drain pan, and is then drained out through the condensate lines. These condensate lines can become clogged, leading to a significant risk of water leakage, water damage and mold. Having your home's heat pump or air conditioner serviced regularly can help to avoid much more expensive repairs in the future.
The picture below shows a heat pump's primary drain pan, which is full of rust and other crud indicating improper drainage. And yes, "crud" is a technical term!
Great looking site! In Arizona you definitely need the AC for sure. Keep up the good info for homeowners.
Posted by: Mortgage Leads | August 18, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I wasn't sure about servicing AC on the regular bases but I see your ponit now. Our summer is rather short here in Alberta but a lot of the newer homes have AC systems. Great article and website.
Derek H.
Posted by: Edmonton Real Estate | September 23, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Most people don't realize that a heat pump is simply an air conditioning system that works backwards in the winter months. A reversing valve allows for the flow direction of the refrigerant to be changed. When it was first introduced some home owners complained about the "cold" air coming out of the registers. Modern generations of heat pumps actually produce "warm" air.
Posted by: Kirk the Home Inspector | September 26, 2010 at 11:34 AM
I did not know that "crud" is a technical term! :-)
Posted by: David Matney | September 30, 2010 at 07:32 PM
Great tip here. Simple checks every so often can really save people a lot of headaches and money in the future.
Posted by: Home Inspection Software | October 18, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Nice! add also free energy like solar power supply..
JMW
Posted by: Gilbert Homes | Gilbert AZ Homes | January 06, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Simply said and great tip for homeowners. Every homeowner should really take time to inspect their heat pumps to avoid expensive repairs or replacement. It would only take a little of your time to do it. Really great post.
Posted by: Home Inspector Training Site | February 08, 2011 at 08:42 PM
If you want to save money during the cold months (which, admittedly, are few in Arizona), you may also want to insulate the space that houses that heat pump -- usually, this is the basement or crawl space. In the case of the crawl space, sealing it will keep out cold winter winds that would blow through, while also keeping the space dry and discouraging pests. In both cases, insulating the wall and floor will save a lot of money.
In nearby Colorado, basement wall insulation will save you anywhere between $310 and $350, according to the US Department of Energy. Not too shabby, that. :-) And it'll help to keep that heat pump, as well as your furnace, hot water pipes, heating ducts, and other utilities, warmer.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11470
Posted by: Concrete Treat | April 16, 2011 at 06:00 PM
Heat pumps work best in moderate climates. If you live in a moderate climate, using a heat pump instead of a furnace and air conditioner may help you save money on your utility bill.
Posted by: plumbing | April 18, 2011 at 02:03 AM
No doubt that you need a quality AC with this heat!
Posted by: בדק בית | June 02, 2011 at 04:31 AM
Regular maintenance is key. Without proper inspections, air conditioners can cease to function properly. Good post!
Posted by: Colorado Springs Home Inspections | October 17, 2011 at 09:53 AM
Good tip of maintaining Home and inspecting it. Not only these Heat pumps repair, doors and window also suffer from damage and they lack their property of protecting home from cold winter.
Posted by: Loan Modification Application | November 01, 2011 at 02:37 AM
Thank you for posting the great content.I was looking for something like this.I found it quiet interesting, hopefully you will keep posting such blogs..Keep sharing
Posted by: ugg on sale | November 14, 2011 at 12:39 AM
The post is informative, you have discussed the primary things that one should keep in mind about heat pumps.
Posted by: Plumbing | March 19, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Great information Scott, hope the inspection business is keeping you busy!
Justin, The Electric Loan Officer
Posted by: The Electric Loan Officer | March 21, 2012 at 10:34 PM
Scott, we recently experienced a day and half of no air conditioning and let me tell you that we are now going to have regularly servicing to make sure that does not happen again. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: San Diego Home Owner | April 17, 2012 at 02:32 PM
Great post. This is something San Diego homeowners need to think about as well.
Betsey - San Diego Home Inspector
Posted by: Betsey | April 26, 2012 at 08:22 AM
Very good post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
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