HEAT PUMP Maintenace In Calgary

The main difference is the energy used to generate heat: a gas furnace uses the combustion of natural gas while a heat pump uses electricity (like an air conditioning unit). Heat pumps can reverse their heating process and switch to providing cool air for your home, eliminating the need for an air conditioner. You can read more about the differences between heat pumps and furnaces here.

We recommend annual maintenance to ensure your heat pump is functioning at optimal performance and energy efficiency. The best time of year to book a tune-up is just before the winter sets in but because this is the busiest time of year for technicians, you may get a better deal at other times of the year.

High-quality, modern heat pumps can last up to 15 or 20 years in Calgary but this will depend on the type/brand, maintenance, installation quality, usage, and air quality in the home.

How long a heat pump maintenance visit takes depends on the size and complexity of the system in your home as well as the condition of your HVAC system. Most maintenance calls can be completed within 2-3 hours.

Regular heat pump maintenance will help with energy usage and cost-savings, extend the unit’s lifespan, reduce unwanted repair bills, improve air quality and comfort levels in the home, and help maintain better safety in your home.

Nothing should replace an annual maintenance visit from your trusted HVAC service provider but there are a few things that most homeowners can do to look after their heat pumps and maintain efficiency in between professional service calls:

• Remove any snow or ice buildup periodically in winter, as this could restrict airflow
• Remove any foliage, vegetation or debris that could restrict airflow around your heat pump (keep an area of 1-2 feet clear around the unit)
• Clean or replace the air filters every 2-3 months
• Make sure the registers are open
• Remove any visible dirt off the outdoor unit’s coils
• Try to keep the thermostat set at between 65 and 70 all year round 

No, if your heat pump unit is on the ground the heat pump installation was not done correctly. Your heat pump should be elevated 4 to 8 inches above the ground to allow for proper drainage—and away from any leaking gutters, which can cause ice to develop on the unit.

Regular heat pump and furnace maintenance helps your HVAC system maintain efficiency and, in doing so, keep bills as low as possible. Neglecting maintenance can lead to inefficiencies, the system working harder, and using more energy. That can mean higher bills.

This is not advisable in Alberta because a heat pump here generally requires a supplemental heating system like a gas furnace to heat the home in the coldest parts of winter. Most modern heat pumps will work fine in temperatures as low as -10C to -15C but, beyond that, greater heating capacity is required.

Most of the time, the heat pump will handle the heating in your home as well as the cooling during the summer months. However, when the temperatures dip below -10 to -15C, as does happen quite regularly in a Calgary winter, you’ll likely need the extra heating power of your furnace to keep your home warm. This may change as heat pump technology advances, however.

Standard warranties in Calgary include a manufacturer’s parts and labour warranty (usually 10-15 years) and an installation warranty that covers the work performed during the installation process. Service warranties may also protect you for several months after heat pump repairs or service. Note that warranties do vary between manufacturers and suppliers, so check the deal before you buy.