Heat pumps use the same equipment as heating and cooling units and make efficiency easier to handle and maintain, according to The Washington Post. When you buy a heat pump and have it installed correctly, it should come with a heat pump maintenance warranty. Having a piece of equipment under warranty is a huge benefit. If something goes wrong while the warranty is valid, the manufacturer fixes it, and you don’t have to pay those charges.
Can Skipping Heat Pump Maintenance Really Void Your Warranty?
Depending on the type and model of equipment you put in your home, different heat pump maintenance needs apply. The standard for maintaining high efficiency is twice-yearly expert tune-ups, which many homeowners just arrange thru their usual HVAC maintenance company in Charlotte instead of attempting to time it themselves. When you install and buy a heat pump, make sure to read the fine print on any warranty that comes with it.
What Maintenance Requirements Do Heat Pump Manufacturers Typically Include?
Heat pump maintenance requirements include items for both the homeowners and the professionals. Here’s what each have to do:
Homeowners
- Change filters every 30-90 days, depending on the unit’s needs
- Keep outdoor unit clear of debris
- Trim bushes and plants around the unit so they are 18 inches or more away from the area
- Keep items away from indoor registers so they remain unblocked
HVAC Professionals
- Check/Tune the unit twice a year
- Check the refrigerant levels
- Inspect electrical system
- Clean coils
- Check and clear drainage
- Run a full systems check
How Do Manufacturers Prove That Maintenance Was Skipped Before Denying a Warranty Claim?
How do manufacturers even know if you skip a maintenance check? There are several ways they can check up on your heat pump’s care. One, they may have technicians check for physical evidence of wear and tear that would not occur if the system were properly cared for by a professional. And two, they may ask for service logs or proof that you have had regular service. Keep proof of service because if you cannot prove the unit was tuned up at regular intervals, your service may be denied.
What Happens If You Miss One Heat Pump Maintenance Appointment?
Check your heat pump warranty requirements and gain an understanding of what may void your contract. If skipping just one maintenance appointment is enough, make it a priority. Otherwise, if your heat pump warranty coverage remains in good standing without one check, it won’t likely cause a major disaster. You may see slightly higher energy bills, and you risk minor issues becoming larger problems, but long-term risk is slim. It’s best not to let the missed maintenance appointments span from one to two and beyond.
Are Heat Pump Warranties Different From Manufacturer to Manufacturer?
Heat pump warranty requirements vary from company to company. Each manufacturer has the right to set their own rules, and each heat pump has different component coverage based on quality, exclusions, and other details. Knowing the details involved with your specific warranty helps you to keep that coverage alive.
Can Regular Heat Pump Maintenance Extend Warranty Protection and System Lifespan?
When you follow the warranty requirements that come along with your heat pump, you will definitely extend the lifespan of the unit. The idea behind regular maintenance is to keep the heat pump in top form so things don’t fail. Small items are noticed and addressed before they become bigger issues.
Whether or not regular maintenance extends a heat pump’s warranty is up to the individual manufacturer. It may help you hold onto a warranty longer, but there may also be a set number of years involved in the warranty contract.
In conclusion
Even when it’s really cold, heat pumps double a home’s efficiency over average heating systems, according to The New York Times. When you have a unit attached to your home, heat pump warranty coverage comes along with it. Understand what you have to do and what you need a professional to do to keep the warranty good as long as possible. Not only will your heat pump run better and for longer, but if something does break down, the warranty will cover it. Read through the fine print or get your HVAC professional to make a list for you so you understand your obligations where your heat pump’s maintenance and warranty are concerned.
