How does my Heat pump work?
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Your heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system that transfers heat rather than generating it. Your system consists of two main components, the outdoor unit and one or more indoor units (heads.) The outdoor unit houses the compressor, which simply put, is responsible for circulating refrigerant. Refrigerant is a substance that changes its state (liquid and gas), temperature, along with pressure in order to absorb and transfer heat from the air even in cold temperatures.
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Both indoor and outdoor units have a fan that blows air across the coils. When the heat pump is set to cool mode the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor environment and dissipates it outside, resulting with cool air in absence of that heat to be circulated throughout the room. In heating mode, this process is reversed. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside. The indoor unit's fan then blows the air over the warm coils to the heat the room even in freezing temperatures.
Coils
Fan/Blower wheel
Why is a Cleaning important?
The main reasons are air quality, efficiency and functionality.
As contaminants build up on to the coils and aluminum fins, the air flow becomes restricted. This simultaneously affects their ability to conduct heat transfer as they were designed to do so. This results in more of a demand on the fan motor increasing the likelihood of damage over the course of time, while also drawing more power. As the conduction of heat is also impeded, you may begin to notice a reduction in the heating and cooling capacity.
When your heat pump is in cooling or dry mode, condensation is produced on the coils. This eccelerates the adhesion of dust to the fins. Given dust contains organic matter such as skin cells and pet dander, an ideal environment for the growth of mold is created. These spores are then blown throughout our living spaces and in extreme cases may emit a "musty or earth like oder" This is a late and ominous sign.
The idea is to prevent this from taking place rather than reacting to it!!
What constitutes a great cleaning?
Experience, Patience, Proper equipment along with understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the machine.
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When considering your next cleaning provider it is worth considering a few key things.
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When it comes to cleaning heat pumps it is important to use sufficient water pressure and flow along with safe and effective cleaners. Some providers fail to use enough of one or all of these. This is a VERY common mistake! Many that offer cleaning services use underpowered equipment from local hardware stores. This often results in the coils having a clean appearance on the surface when in actuality the contaminants have only been compressed further into the coils rendering the cleaning ineffective and potentially worsening air flow with previously mentioned effects. Reasonably speaking, this may go unnoticed by home owners. In extreme cases this has caused blockages resulting in heat pumps leaking onto surrounding areas. During a cleaning we also ensure your drain line is adequately functioning to help prevent this from taking place.
Your outside unit needs love too! Although this has no impact on air quality it does impact functionality and efficiency. Leaves, grass clipping and other plant matter are commonly found on the coils which impedes airflow. At GoldStandard we also believe that the improved aesthetics of the housing leaves a professional touch.
This is the fan that blows air over the coils. In this case we were called when the client had looked into the unit only a few days after a recent cleaning only to find this! This client reportedly paid $230!
Here we observe the underside of the coils. This client had paid well in excess of $200 a short time prior! This is a result of improper practices along with inadequate pressure and water flow.
Watch out!
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Proceed with caution if you hear the following!
"The outside unit didn't need to be cleaned." We have found this seldom to be true. In the rare instance this may be the case, it only takes a few brief moments to spruce it up. This is often an attempt at saving time...
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After applying a cleaning agent "the heat pump rinses/cleans itself." Fortunately this process is being weeded out as public education improves. This being said we still hear cases of people utilizing this process from time to time. This is an entirely ineffective process.
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When having your heat pump repaired by a refrigeration mechanic, on a unit that has not been cleaned in 2-3 years, homeowners have occasionally been told it wasn't dirty. Unless the unit is BARELY used, It is worth being skeptical as heavy soiling commonly occurs around this time frame. Periodically some companies may be to busy or under staffed to provide proper cleaning or the individual present may not wish to do the cumbersome task.
This client had reportedly been advised by a large company that this unit was not any need of a cleaning. Fortunately the client had reached out for further consultation as this unit was located over their sleeping quarters and had not been cleaned in over 4 years. As seen, mold was present.
"Cash deals" or " I do it on the side." These are often people with great intensions but MAY not have the experience, Knowledge, insurance or proper equipment. We aren't saying not to use these individuals, rather just to be cautions and consider adjusting your expectations.