Could ordinary house dust be costing you hundreds of dollars per year? It might sound far-fetched, but if it happens to be clinging to the coils in your heat pump, a little buildup of dirt and debris can be expensive indeed. Not only can dirty heat pump coils reduce energy efficiency, but they can also impact your system’s reliability and service life.
So, why are dirty coils such a big deal — and what can you do about them?
How Heat Pump Coils Work
Heat pumps feature a pair of coils, one within the indoor air handler and the other in the outdoor condenser unit. Both consist of tightly packed rows of aluminum fins attached to copper tubes containing refrigerant. This lets them effectively exchange heat energy with the surrounding air, pumping warmth into or out of your home depending on the season.
When these coils get dirty, however, this process begins breaking down. As dust covers the fins and clogs the spaces between them, less air passes through the coil and less heat is absorbed or released. As a result, it takes more energy to achieve the same amount of heating or cooling.
Not good, right? Well, it’s even worse than it sounds. In fact, grimy coils can take a heavy toll on your entire system — not to mention your wallet.
Calculating the Cost of Dirty Coils
Nobody likes throwing money away on easily avoidable problems, but many people don’t realize just how costly dirty heat pump coils can be. Without regular cleaning, you could find yourself paying the price in a variety of ways.
Wasted Energy and Higher Utility Bills
It doesn’t take much dust and debris to turn a high-efficiency heat pump into an outright energy hog. Even a thin layer of caked-on dirt can be enough to disrupt airflow and heat transfer. That means less conditioned air reaches your living space, and the air that is produced feels less comfortable.
To make up for this loss of performance, your system will likely have to run longer, more frequent cooling or heating cycles. This increases power consumption, driving up your utility bills month after month.
More Frequent and Expensive Repairs
Because dirty coils force your heat pump to work overtime, they also put more strain on other components. The fan and blower motor have to move more air to overcome increased resistance. The compressor is subjected to higher head pressures and refrigerant temperatures.
As you might expect, this often translates to bigger, more frequent breakdowns and more expensive service calls. Worst of all, the manufacturer’s warranty may not cover your heat pump if it hasn’t been adequately cleaned and maintained, leaving you to pay out of pocket.
Shorter Equipment Service Life
Assuming proper installation and upkeep, a quality heat pump should easily last 12 to 15 years. With the added wear and tear of clogged-up coils, however, your system’s lifespan could be substantially shorter.
While individual components can usually be repaired, some issues are too complex and pricey to be worth fixing. Dirty, dusty coils make such malfunctions more likely, raising the risk of a premature system replacement.
Take Charge of Keeping Your HVAC Coils Clean
Okay, you get the point — dirty coils are bad news for both you and your heat pump. Fortunately, it only takes a little preventive care to stay out of trouble. Not sure where to start? It’s as easy as one, two, three!
1. Check and Replace Your Air Filter
A clean air filter is one of the best defenses against dust and other particulates floating through your HVAC system. Stating the obvious, I know, but the key word here is “clean.” If your filter is already clogged up with dirt, there may not be much room left for new particles to stick around.
Check your filter at least once a month by removing it and holding it up to a light source. If it looks relatively clean and translucent, you’re good to go. If it’s discolored and opaque, give it a washing or drop in a fresh filter to keep dust to a minimum.
2. Clean Up Your Outdoor Coil
Cleaning your heat pump’s indoor coil is a job best left to the pros, but there’s plenty you can do to help protect the outdoor coil. Start by clearing away potential obstructions within a few feet of your condenser unit, including objects, yard debris, grass and other vegetation.
If you feel comfortable, you can use a hose or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to clean the coil itself. For your safety, always remember to shut off power to the unit before you begin. Remove the unit’s outer casing and spray or vacuum the coil, being careful not to damage the delicate fins.
3. Invest in Preventive Maintenance
Ultimately, there’s no better remedy for poor performance than a professional tune-up. Expert HVAC technicians have the skills and equipment to thoroughly deep-clean every part of your system, including the indoor and outdoor coils. The benefits can be striking, with well-maintained heat pumps lasting longer, performing more reliably and using up to 25% less energy.
Here in Florida, it’s important to have your heat pump serviced before every summer cooling season at a minimum. Adding a second tune-up in the fall is even better, ensuring your system continues operating at maximum efficiency throughout the year.
Call Your Local Heat Pump Service Specialists
Don’t let dirty coils choke the life out of your heat pump. Keep your system firing on all cylinders year-round with One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating’s professional heat pump maintenance services. From comprehensive testing and inspections to seasonal performance tune-ups, our experts do it all.
What’s more, we’ll never leave you hanging when it matters most. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re on time or you don’t pay a dime. Get in touch today for fast and friendly heat pump maintenance in Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice and communities throughout Southwest Florida.
