Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Heat pump maintenance questions....
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badtlc
04-22-09, 09:09 AM
What are things I can do to maintain my outdoor unit? I know that hosing down the heat pump and cleaning out debris from the coils is always good.
I have read about lubricating the fan motor and compressor. Is this something I can do myself?
I also have some leaves in the bottom of my heat pump. How do I get these out? If I take off the top grill, there is no way I can reach the bottom of the unit but I cant see anyway in from the side.
I have read about lubricating the fan motor and compressor. Is this something I can do myself?
I also have some leaves in the bottom of my heat pump. How do I get these out? If I take off the top grill, there is no way I can reach the bottom of the unit but I cant see anyway in from the side.
mjbxx
04-22-09, 10:27 AM
A condenser coil should always be hosed down from the inside out. This requires removal of the fan assembly from the top. One should never spray water from the outside in as it can clog the coil fins. Just spray the condenser coil cleaner on the outer coil and garden hose out from inside. You can then shopvac any leaves or other debris settled on the interior condenser base.
Gunguy45
04-22-09, 10:35 AM
Most newer exterior fans are permanently lubed. When I say newer I mean prob last 20 yrs. You can't lube the compressor.
You may find that when you hose it out, some of the leaves will be washed out the drain holes, otherwise the shopvac works.
You may find that when you hose it out, some of the leaves will be washed out the drain holes, otherwise the shopvac works.
badtlc
04-22-09, 12:01 PM
Yeah, I don't have a shop vac. The drain holes in the bottom, from what I have seen, are only like 1/4" in diameter or slightly bigger.
Spraying the coils from the inside out is a given, but what is coil cleaner?
Spraying the coils from the inside out is a given, but what is coil cleaner?
Gunguy45
04-22-09, 12:23 PM
Coil cleaner is a foaming spray product that will clean the coils without being too harsh on the aluminum/copper that they may be made of. It clings and disolves the dirt and such. Believe it or not, some standard household cleaners are not good, esp any with bleach.
It can be found at any HVAC supply, and some home centers and hardware stores.
It can be found at any HVAC supply, and some home centers and hardware stores.
zoneout
05-02-09, 07:42 PM
Agree with foaming and hosing out the coil. You could blow or vac out leaves on the bottom if needed as was mentioned already. Further I would check the condition of the suction line insulation - this deteriorates when exposed to elements/kids over the years. And check that the service valve caps are still there and screwed on firmly by hand.