With the first cold of the season upon us, is your heat pump up to it? You may be concerned that this year’s winter energy bills are going to outstrip last year’s, or perhaps you have seen your system put in more effort of late.
Then you are asking the right questions. We at Anderson Air have been putting homeowners in New Hanover County and environs at ease since 2013. Give us a ring at (910) 210-0399 if you would like a check on your heat pump prior to winter.
There is no better time for an inspection in the Wilmington area than fall. The heating season is not in full swing yet and the cooling one is over, so the system has a moment to rest. In that window we can put an end to minor issues before they become costly repairs and put a dent in your monthly bill.
The Cost of a Neglected Heat Pump
In a coastal climate as mild as ours, a heat pump is among the most efficient means of warming a home; it is moving heat, not making it. But that efficiency is contingent on the system performing as intended. A clogged filter, a lack of refrigerant or dirt will make the unit work longer to get to the desired temperature. More run time is what drives the bill up.
All too often a homeowner will not see the gradual deterioration. The house is being heated, so there is no cause for alarm. Yet the power bill tells a different story month in and month out when the weather is at its coldest from all the extra energy consumed.
What We Look at in a Fall Check
An inspection in the fall is meant to be thorough and address whatever is having an impact on cost and performance. Among other things we will be looking at:
- Any clogging of the air filter that impedes airflow
- The state of the defrost cycle for the outdoor coil
- Refrigerant levels; low amounts do a number on the compressor and efficiency
- Electrical components and connections subject to wear
- That the thermostat is properly calibrated
- Leaves and debris on the coils and outdoor unit
- How the system is operating in heating mode
Once identified, these are easy matters to put right. A tightened connection or a fresh filter will give back some of the performance you were not aware you had.
Lower Bills are the Result
An efficient heat pump will come to your set temperature and then shut down in short order. The savings are in the reduced run time. After a fall tune up the system will require less electricity to heat the same square footage over the course of the winter.
Not to mention, it is a lot less expensive to find a part in need of replacement in October than to have an emergency call in January. You avoid the breakdown and the inconvenience to boot.
We Make Maintenance a Non-issue
For those who prefer not to be scheduling checks each season, our maintenance plans at Anderson Air take care of it. With the Worry Free Program you get annual maintenance, air filters and covered repairs without any trip, diagnostic or overtime fees. The Premier Program has a 10 year term with options at the end to extend, upgrade or return the system. Or we have the Air Maintenance Club for a more straightforward plan.
Should you need to put in a new system we can provide a free estimate on Carrier, Lennox or Trane equipment and have financing to suit your budget.
Reasons to do Business with Anderson Air
We are fully licensed and insured and hold an A+ with the BBB. Our service extends to Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Bladen and Columbus County as well as the greater Wilmington area where we have been since 2013. Heating does not adhere to business hours so we are here 24/7.
It is the simple way to ensure comfort in the cold months and control your winter bills. The peace of mind is worth it for the whole season.
Put off the first freeze and do not let your heat pump go unattended. To be ready for winter, schedule your fall check with Anderson Air at (910) 210-0399.