The functionality, efficiency, and durability of your heat pump depends, above all, on a good maintenance program.  In fact some of the routine maintenace can be performed by the homeowner.  We do, however, recommend you consult with your dealer or installer to perform annual inspections on the unit.

The ideal time to service your heat pump is at the end of the cooling season and just before the beginning of heating season. 

The filters need to be checked & cleaned monthly,follow your manufacturers instructions for the care and cleaning of the filters.  The interior coils also require some maintenance by simply vacuuming or using a brush to remove debris and exterior coils can be cleaned with a hose. As always refer to the care instructions in your owners manual.    Lastly ensure the compressor is free of ice, snow  and not in the path of heavy wind.  If the compressor is located in a breezy area a good idea is to build a shelter for the unit.

Yes.  When you see steam coming from your heat pump it means it is completing a defrost cycle.  The heat pump  reverses the function and heats the exterior of the unit to eliminate frost accumulations on the condensor.

If the outside temerature reaches the freezing point or lower when the heat pump is functioning on heat mode, the humidity in the air circling the outside coil condenses and frosts up.  The accumulation of frost varies depending on the temperature and the level of humidity.  The heat pump will defrost as needed and can happen frequently during the day and can last up to 15 minutes.

If the compressor is full of ice, you must defrost the heat pump with a bucket of warm water.  If you notice the blades on the fan are also iced up, switch the heat pump to stop, de ice the unit with warm water and then restart the unit.

The accumulation of ice under the heat pump is normal and is caused by the ice & snow dripping under the unit.  This will not damage the heat pump unless the ice build up makes the entire unit unstablel.  To reduce the build up of ice on the unit, again simply pour warm water on it.
 

HSPF  - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is a term used in the heating and cooling industry. HSPF is specifically used to measure the efficiency of air source heat pumps.  The higher the HSPF rating of a unit, the more energy efficient it is.  The HSPF is related to the non-dimensional Coefficient of Performance for a heat pump, which measures the ratio of heat energy delivered to electrical energy supplied, independently of the units used to measure energy.

The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which is defined by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute in its standard ARI 210/240, Performance Rating of Unitary Air-Conditioning and Air-Source Heat Pump Equipment.
The SEER rating of a unit is the cooling output in BTU (British thermal unit) during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input in watt hours during the same period. The higher the unit's SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.

An Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the ratio of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, to the total electrical input (in watts) under certain specified tests. Air conditioner EER ratings higher than 10 are considered most cost effective. The higher the ratio, the less the unit will cost to operate.

Quality Gas has a select and diverse team to satisfy all of your heating and cooling needs.  We have a diverse line of fireplace products as well as air conditioning units for the warmer months. Our qualified staff is ready to provide the sales support you're looking for when purchasing a heating or cooling unit.

Ensuring your questions are answered and providing you with the tools to make an informed decision.  Our installers are second to none.  Experienced,  licensed and ready to guide you in what's best for your household.

Quality Gas....we're here for you!