Cleaning the heat pump filter is an important part of the maintenance of your heating and cooling system. A dirty filter can reduce the efficiency of your system, which inevitably leads to higher energy bills and poorer air quality in your home.
Did you know?
According to the Government of Canada (2023), Canadians spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Good ventilation reduces humidity level and eliminates pollutants in the air. Neglecting it can have a detrimental effect on your health and your comfort level.
Some good news please!
Cleaning a heat pump filter can be done in the comfort of your own home.
What are the steps for the cleaning of a wall-mounted heat pump and a central heat pump ?
- Turn your system’s power off. This is an important safety precaution! Make sure to do this before proceeding.
In the case of a wall-mounted heat pump:
- Remove the filter from your wall-mounted unit and place it outside on a flat surface.
In the case of a central heat pump:
- Remove the filter from your furnace (single central system or ceiling central system) and lay it outside on a flat surface.
- Vacuum or brush both sides of the filter to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated.
- Wash the air filter with warm water. The use of a cloth or sponge may be recommended to remove the remaining dust particles. Simply rinse again with water.
- Let the filter air dry.
Note: In the case of reusable filters, they should be cleaned every 3 weeks and/or according to the frequency of use. In the case of disposable (single use) filters, make sure to follow the instructions included in the user’s manual of the air filter model of your choice.
Here is a hint, heat pumps are just like cars!
Just like a car engine’s air filter, which filters out dust, mold, pollen and plenty other particles, regular maintenance is required to ensure that the filters do not become clogged.
Remember, it’s exactly the same idea as with your heat pump!
Not replacing the filter allows environmental pollutants to contaminate the air you breathe, potentially leading to serious health problems such as lung damage.
When to replace your heat pump filter?
Depending on the type of filter and how often it is used, it is recommended that you replace it every 6 months. If you notice that your filter is clogging up more often than usual, it’s an indicator that you need to invest in a new filter for your unit.
FYI: If you have pets or allergies, it would be wise to replace your filter more often.
Why contact a professional for your annual cleaning?
A more extensive maintenance should be performed regularly by a company that specializes in heat pump cleaning.
Why should you do this?
First, please note that a professional will be able to inspect the system and identify any potential problem that could lead to costly repairs in the future.
You should also know that a professional is equipped to clean the system more thoroughly than you can on your own. He or she will make sure that any dust or debris is removed from the filter and other components of your system.
Finally, our professionals will give you tips on how to maintain your system and keep it running optimally.
Do not take any risks!
Ignoring the maintenance of your wall or central heat pump will have a direct impact on your health and that of your loved ones! Depending on the temperature and humidity levels, mold can actually grow inside heat pumps if they are not cleaned properly. When breathed in in sufficient quantities, mold can cause or accentuate certain illnesses (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.).
If your heat pump is dirty and has to work harder, it will require more energy to produce the same amount of heat (or cold). In addition to a higher electricity bill, this will cause accelerated wear and tear on the various parts of your heat pump.
You can kiss stale air goodbye!
- Clean your filters;
- Contact a professional;
- Live in a healthy and clean environment;
- Lower your electricity bills;
- Increase the lifespan of your system.
Our team will guide you and offer you the best service!
At Duraclim,
We treat our customers like family, and family deserves the best.
