Is your heat pump ready for winter? 5 things to check before the cold weather.
Summer may not seem like the most obvious time to be thinking about your heating but now is actually a good time to make sure everything is ready with your air source heat pump for the colder months.
With more UK homeowners looking at heat pumps and demand expecting to increase as winter approaches, preparing now can help your system run efficiently when you need it the most.
Here are 5 things worth checking:
1. Check the outdoor unit
Take a quick look at the outdoor unit and make sure it is clear of leaves, weeds and any other debris.
Remove anything blocking the unit as the heat pump needs good airflow to work properly.
2. Check your heating settings
Give your heating a test run before winter hits.
If you’ve changed your heating settings over the summer, its worth checking your controls before we get the first cold spell.
Turn your heating on for a short period of time and check that the system starts as expected. Check all radiators are heating evenly and look for any cold areas which could indicate there is a problem that needs checking.
If your still unsure if your heat pump is set up properly, its best to get this checked rather than continually changing the settings yourself.
3. Listen for anything unusual
You know what your heat pump normally sounds like, so pay attention to any changes.
A little bit of noise while turned on is normal but listen out for any unusual noises such as banging, rattling or grinding noises.
Catching a small problem early can be much easier than discovering it on a cold day.
4. Don’t forget about servicing
An air source heat pump benefits from annual servicing to keep your manufacturer’s warranty valid.
It also allows an engineer to check the system and repair any potential issues and make sure everything is working as it should be.
5. Don’t wait until you need the heating
A little preparation goes a long way.
Having your heat pump looked at in late summer or early autumn, before you actually need your heating, can help identify potential problems early and give you peace of mind heading into winter.
It can also be a good way to avoid leaving any servicing or repairs until the busiest time of year, when engineers can be in higher demand.
