Investing in a ducted heat pump system is one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable year-round in New Zealand's varied climate. But, like any significant mechanical item, your ducted heat pump unit requires regular maintenance to ensure longevity, energy efficiency, and optimal performance. For years, OneAir has been servicing thousands of homeowners with ducted heat pump systems in their homes. This article will explore the ins and outs of maintaining your ducted heat pump system and provide tips based upon our real world experience homeowners. Let's dive in and ensure that your system serves your home for years to come!
Why Regular Ducted Heat Pump Maintenance is Crucial for Longevity
The longevity and efficiency of your ducted heat pump system largely depend on how well it's maintained. Here's why regular maintenance is vital:
Prolonged System Life:Â Routine maintenance ensures that minor issues are detected and addressed before they become costly repairs or premature system replacements.
Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained system ‘breathes’ freely. This means conditioned air faces no blockages as it is pushed through the ducts and into the rooms below, and even more crucially, is able to find its way back to the indoor unit with a minimum of obstruction. The result is lower electricity bills, especially in energy-intensive seasons like summer and winter.
Optimal Air Quality: Without regular cleaning and maintenance, dust, allergens, and pollutants can accumulate in your ducts, reducing indoor air quality. Of even greater concern is stagnant condensate water breeding bacteria potentially resulting in Legionnare’s Disease - a rare, but potentially serious illness passed on via droplets in the air.Â
Consistent Comfort:Â Regular upkeep prevents unexpected breakdowns and ensures that your system maintains the desired temperature in your home.
In short, investing in maintenance now will save you money in the long run while improving comfort and air quality in your home.
Key Ducted Heat Pump Components to Check During Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining your ducted heat pump system, there are several key areas that require attention. Here's a breakdown of what should be regularly checked:
Filters:Â One of the simplest yet most important tasks is cleaning or replacing your ducted system's air filter(s). Dirty filters force the system to work harder, reducing its efficiency and shortening its lifespan. It's recommended to clean filters every 3 to 4 months, depending on usage and how dusty your home environment is.
Vents and Ducts:Â Over time, vents and ducts can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, reducing airflow. Regularly checking and cleaning them ensures unobstructed airflow, which is key to the system's performance as well as improving air quality inside your home.
Condensate systems: Condensate water is a natural byproduct generated from a properly-functioning air conditioning system which the unit is designed to easily discharge into a drain or loose soil outside. Over time however, dust and dirt can build up in the condensate tray and pipes, leading to a blockage that causes the water to back up and leak out the drain tray. This is usually detected only when stains or discolourations start appearing on your ceiling and requires urgent repairs to prevent water from damaging the ceiling or dripping through to the floor below.
System Controls: Ensure that your thermostat and other control systems are working properly and the settings are correct. Malfunctioning or poorly-set controls can lead to overworked systems, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear and power consumption. This is especially the case if you use a timer to turn your system on and off automatically and have your temperature set points too high or too low than what is needed.
External Units:Â It's important to check for any large obstruction or smaller debris (like leaves or dirt) accumulating around the unit. The external condenser needs proper airflow to work efficiently, while a build up of leaves and dirt can retain moisture which accelerates rust and attracts insects to nest inside .
Ductwork:Â Make sure that the ducts are tightly sealed and connected to the grilles and plenums. They should be in good condition with no tears or rodent damage, to prevent energy loss and unnecessary strain on the system.
Refrigerant Levels:Â A professional HVAC technician should check your system's refrigerant levels to ensure optimal cooling and heating. Low refrigerant levels can indicate a leak, which should be addressed immediately to avoid more significant issues from developing such as compressor failure, which is a very expensive repair.
Professional Maintenance vs. DIY
As a homeowner, you can do some maintenance tasks yourself, but others should be left to professionals to ensure safety and proper care.
DIY Tasks:
Filter Cleaning/Replacement: As mentioned, regularly cleaning of filters is a task homeowners can potentially handle themselves. Depending upon where the filters are located - usually in return grilles or on the indoor unit plenum - they may be able to be easily removed and cleaned.Â
Visual Inspections: You can visually inspect the vents and ducts for dust accumulation, as well as check the external unit for debris or damage. Keep an eye out for insect intrusion as well as they can cause a surprising amount of damage, including short circuits that require expensive repairs. If you can get up into your ceiling space (do this on a cool day as it can get surprisingly hot on sunny days), check the ductwork for any loose connections and that there are no kinks or sharp turns that can impede airflow. If you use the ceiling space to store boxes etc, make sure that none have fallen on top of any of the ducts. Look out for any water spots or discolouration on the ceiling area underneath the indoor unit as it could indicate that there is a blockage in the condensate line
Leave it to the Professionals:
Refrigerant Checks:Â Only certified technicians should handle refrigerant levels. This is a delicate process that, if done incorrectly, can damage your system or even pose a safety hazard.
Duct Cleaning:Â Cleaning your ducts should be done by a professional to ensure thorough cleaning and proper handling of the system. DIY duct cleaning can damage ducts, reducing system efficiency.
Electrical Components :Â Any issues with the system's wiring or controls should be handled by a technician to avoid safety risks or further damage to the unit.
By balancing DIY maintenance with professional inspections, you ensure your system gets the attention it needs without compromising safety or efficiency.
Myths and Misconceptions About Ducted Heat Pump Systems
There are several myths surrounding ducted heat pump systems that can be misleading to homeowners. Let's look into some of the most common misconceptions:
Myth 1: "Ducted Systems work the most efficiently when left running day and night, 24/7"
While it is undeniably nice to come home to a warm and cosy house in winter - or a cool, air conditioned one in summer - leaving your unit running day and night, even when you are out, is probably wasting your money and shortening its lifespan. A properly designed and sized ducted system should be able to heat or cool your rooms from start to your desired setpoint temperature within 10-20 min. And although a ducted system will definitely use more power getting a room up - or down - to temperature, it will still be cheaper doing this than leaving your system running the whole day and night when you are not home.Â
Myth 2: "Ducted Systems get to temperature faster if you set them to full maximum or full minimum temperatures"
This is something most of us are guilty of : we come home to a freezing cold house and desperate to feel warm fast, we turn our ducted system on and set the temperature to 29 degrees (or 16 degrees if it is hot and we want to cool down).
While psychologically it makes us feel better to put temperatures to extremes, the reality is that the system will not warm up or cool down any faster that way. Instead, the most likely outcome is that the system will work its hardest to get to a temperature that is too hot or cool and you will then have to readjust the temperature back down or up again to a more comfortable one. Needless to say, this is a waste of power and will also put added stress on the system and potentially shorten its lifespan as well.
Myth 3: "Ducted Systems Don't Need Maintenance"
Many homeowners believe that once a ducted system is installed, it will run perfectly well without needing any further attention for the rest of its life. This couldn't be further from the truth. Like any major mechanical system with a multitude of moving parts, (the most critical of which sit outside), ducted heat pumps need regular checks and maintenance to ensure they are working properly to ensure both efficiency and longevity.
Myth 2: "You Only Need to Service the System When It's Not Working"
Waiting until your system breaks down before you service it is a costly mistake. By the time you notice performance issues, the damage could be extensive, resulting in high repair costs (or even the need for a replacement). Like your car, preventative maintenance is critical to keeping an eye on things and identifying issues early before they become expensive surprises.
Myth 3: "DIY Maintenance Is Enough"
While homeowners can probably handle some tasks, like cleaning filters, much of the maintenance required for ducted systems is best left to professionals. Ducted systems are more complex than a high wall heat pump, so attempting to perform tasks such as duct cleaning or refrigerant level checks without the proper expertise can lead to potential problems.
Myth 4: "Maintenance Can Wait Until Next Year"
Skipping yearly maintenance might seem like a way to save money, but it can lead to more significant problems later on. Every year your system goes without maintenance, the risk of breakdowns, higher energy bills, and reduced air quality in your home increases.
The Cost of Neglecting Ducted Heat Pump Maintenance
Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to expensive consequences, both in the short term and the long term. Some of the potential costs include:
Increased Energy Bills:Â When your system isn't operating efficiently, it uses more energy to cool or heat your home, driving up your electricity bills.
Expensive Repairs:Â Small issues that go unnoticed can turn into costly repairs. For example, insufficient refrigerant gas might lead to a seized compressor, which is a very expensive repair..
Long wait for repairs:Â while most major brands keep a selection of parts in NZ, some parts may be out of stock and require to be sourced from overseas. This is especially the case for heat pumps older than 8-10 years of age as distributors streamline their inventory
Reduced Lifespan:Â Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of your ducted system. Without it, you may find yourself needing to replace the system sooner than expected, which can be a significant financial burden.
Comparing the cost of regular maintenance with that of major repairs or early replacement, it's clear that investing in upkeep is the smarter and more cost-effective option.
New Zealand-Specific Considerations
New Zealand's diverse climate, ranging from sea-sprayed coastal regions to cold inland areas, can impact your ducted system's performance and maintenance needs. Here are a few specific factors to consider:
High Humidity:Â In humid regions like Auckland, moisture can build up in ducts, which can lead to mold growth and reduced air quality. Regular duct cleaning is essential in these areas.
Cold Winters:Â In colder parts of the country, such as the South Island, ensuring proper insulation and checking for air leaks in your ducts is vital to keep the system running efficiently.
Salt Air Exposure:Â For homes near the coast, the salt in the air can corrode the external unit, so it's important to clean and inspect the outdoor components regularly.
Best Practices for Longevity
To ensure your ducted heat pump system lasts as long as possible, here are some best practices to follow:
Schedule Seasonal Tune-Ups:Â Have your system professionally serviced at least once a year, preferably before the start of summer or winter.
Reduce draughts and ensure Proper Insulation :Â As with draught stopping, properly insulating your home helps reduce the strain on your ducted system, allowing it to heat or cool your home more efficiently.
Keep Vents Clear:Â Ensure nothing obstructs your vents, such as furniture or curtains, to ensure proper airflow throughout your home.
Check for Leaks:Â Have a professional check for air leaks in your ducts and seals to prevent energy loss and improve efficiency.
Don’t wait for your heat pump to break!
Maintaining your ducted heat pump system doesn't have to be overwhelming, but it is essential for its longevity and performance. Don't wait until problems arise—schedule a professional maintenance check with our team and keep your system running efficiently for years to come. Our experts are well-versed in servicing ducted systems across New Zealand's unique climate conditions, and will help keep your system in top shape. Call 0800-663247 to book an appointment today.