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Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient, offering winter heating and summer cooling. But like all systems, they need caring for and looking after during extreme weather. Whether facing a frigid Canadian winter or an oppressive summer heatwave, keeping your heat pump in good working condition is imperative to maintain your comfort and avoid costly repair bills. At Aire One East, we are here to assist you in taking the proper steps to protect your heat pump during this challenging weather.

Frequently Clean and Change Filters: Cleaning or replacing your heat pump filters regularly is among the easiest ways to ensure your heat pump runs optimally. In extreme weather, the heat pump works more to keep the temperature in your home. Clogged filters can reduce airflow, which may lead the system to overheat or freeze, especially in colder weather. By cleaning or replacing the filters every 1-3 months, the heat pump can function properly and decrease the likelihood of malfunctions.

Remove Snow and Ice Buildup Around Outdoor Unit: In winter, snow and ice buildup around the outdoor unit can block airflow and hinder the heat pump’s ability to absorb or give off heat. It can also cause slower performance or even freeze the unit if you live where the snow falls heavily. Regularly clean around the unit of snow, ice, and debris. Shoveling or snowblowing is one way to avoid a potential headache.

Ice or frost buildup on the outdoor coils indicates that your heat pump struggles to keep up. Some modern heat pumps have a defrost cycle, but you may have to help remove some excess ice by hand. If ice accumulates, it is advisable to have your system inspected by a professional technician.

Check the thermostat settings: In extreme weather, it’s easy to set your thermostat too high or too low accidentally. For winter, a space temperature of approximately 18°C (65°F) is typically considered comfortable and cost-efficient. In the summer, setting the thermostat to be comfortable—about 24°C (75°F)- is a good compromise for cooling without overburdening the system. Lowering the temperature too low or raising it too high can put the heat pump in a position where it’s inefficiently heating or cooling your home, straining the system and possibly leading to malfunctions.

Check For Insulation in Your Home: Intense weather conditions typically result in power usage, as your heat pump must work extra hours to meet standards. Ensure your home is well-ventilated to avoid losing heat in the winter and gaining too much heat in summer. Inspect windows, doors, and attic insulation for proper sealing. Doing this reduces the load your heat pump needs to work at to keep a consistent temperature without burning out.

Only Use the Emergency Heat Function When Necessary: Your heat pump may have difficulty heating your home efficiently in icy conditions. This is still applicable today, with many modern heat pumps featuring an “emergency heat” function, which turns on a backup heating source, usually electric resistance heating. If the outdoor temperature drops below a specific point, you may flip to this emergency heat operation, which transfers and provides warmth while not taxing the heat pump excessively. When conditions improve, return to the standard heat pump mode.

While extreme weather can place added strain on your heat pump, you can keep the system running efficiently year-round with care and maintenance. Daily maintenance, including ensuring that the outdoor unit is snow-free, changing filters, and getting regular visits from a technician, can keep your heat pump healthy. That’s why at Aire One East, we offer expert advice, maintenance, and repairs to prepare the heat pump for anything the weather throws at you.

Reach out for additional tips on keeping your heat pump running well or to schedule regular maintenance service from a professional!