Technician urges homeowners in Finland to prioritize heat pump maintenance for energy efficiency
Kimmo Inkeroinen, an HVAC technician, has extensive experience with air-source heat pumps and has observed a common issue among customers: many do not read the user manual or regularly clean the indoor units, which is crucial for the units’ performance. He emphasizes that cleaning matters particularly to those who pay the electricity bill since dust reduces the pump’s energy efficiency. A thick layer of dust can also lead to bearing damage, which requires more extensive repairs. Additionally, a well-functioning pump helps purify indoor air; dust hinders this function and can cause unpleasant odors over time.
Each home poses different challenges for heat pumps based on factors such as the minimal soot from wood heating and pet hair. Inkeroinen recalls a visit to a row house with about ten concurrently installed pumps; while some were nearly new, others had an alarming amount of moss-like growth inside them.
Inkeroinen advises that the indoor unit should be thoroughly cleaned by a professional, as someone lacking knowledge could damage the device. He demonstrates the removable filters that should ideally be vacuumed once a month or washed if greasy. Owners can also cautiously clean sensitive aluminum fins beneath these filters, but if they are heavily dust-covered, it’s best to call a professional for complete cleaning.
The bottom section of the indoor unit includes a fan that also requires inspection. A thick dust layer can affect the fan’s balance, leading to potential bearing noise and subsequent costly repairs. Regular maintenance not only conserves energy but also saves on potentially expensive fixes, making it essential for owners to keep an eye on the condition of their heat pump.