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How To Prep Your Heat Pump for Winter
HVAC tips, maintenance advice, and energy-efficient solutions from LA Heating & Air Conditioning.
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October 29, 2026
With increasingly lower temperatures around the corner, it means it is almost time to switch from cooling to heating. If you have a heat pump, it means you will continue to rely on the same equipment for heating as you did during the summer for cooling. In a heat pump system, heating is achieved by using the air conditioner in reverse. Which means heat will be pumped indoors into your home to heat. It is important to take the time to prepare your heat pump for winter, so you are ready to enjoy warmth indoors when the temperatures drop while saving money and protecting the lifespan of your heat pump system.
Schedule Preventative Maintenance
With a gas system it is advisable to maintain it once a year before the cooling season. Since a heat pump system runs year-round to maintain your home comfort, the best thing you can do is to schedule preventative maintenance twice a year. Preventative maintenance will keep your heat pump running at its peak, while helping lower your electricity bills and fewer unexpected breakdowns. Be sure to set a calendar reminder and make heat pump maintenance a priority.
Replace Your Air Filters
In between professional heat pump maintenance visits, change the filters regularly. This is especially important for heat pumps as they operate year-round and can get clogged with dust and debris more easily. A dirty air filter will force your system to work harder than it should to move air. To ensure proper airflow, check the filter monthly and change it when it appears dirty, at minimum replace at least once every 3 months. A clean filter in place will protect the lifespan of your system but also ensure good indoor air quality.
Learn About the Defrost Cycle
Moisture in the air can condense and form ice on the heat pump. If this occurs sensors will automatically turn on the defrost cycle to melt the ice. The defrost cycle is part of normal operation and should be brief and not impact home comfort. However, if your system stays in defrost mode for a prolonged period, it is best to call for heating repair service.
Switch From Cool to Heat Mode
Avoid using the auto setting, so you can control when your heat pump is in use and give it a break when it is not needed. When you switch from cool to heat mode, the reversing valve inside the heat pump should begin extracting heat from the outdoor air and pumping it into your home. Heat pumps run efficiently because relatively little energy is required to achieve this.
Do Not Set the Temperature too High
To keep your heat pump in good condition, make sure you are using it correctly. Many homeowners may think that cranking up the thermostat will heat their home faster. This will actually cause your heat pump to work harder than necessary shortening its lifespan leading to possible early heat pump replacement. We recommend setting the thermostat at a comfortable temperature by choosing a compatible smart thermostat.
Keep Registers Open
It is important to keep registers open and unblocked to maintain a balanced system. This helps promote even temperatures in every room and more efficient heating.
Keep the Area Around the Condenser Clean
Your outdoor unit, the condenser, must be free to circulate air. This means to keep it in good condition you should ensure that the area around the unit is clear. After fall it is especially important to regularly clear fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that can create dirty buildup to ensure maximum performance and minimize the need for repairs.
Look Out for Warning Signs
Before you need to run your heat pump on a cold day, make sure to turn it on to make sure it is working properly. Pay attention to any signs of malfunction such as any strange sounds or odd odors that may signify a problem. If you notice your heat pump is not working properly, be sure to contact a professional for heating repair services.
Contact Professional Heat Pump HVAC Technicians
To prep your heat pump for winter schedule routine maintenance with us by giving us a call or contact us online. We also offer maintenance plans, to make scheduling easier to remember and hassle free with automatic reminders. We also offer heating repair services and heat pump replacement; we are here to help you give us a call today!
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