Whalen Heat Pump Preventative Maintenance
Whalen heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency and easy installation, making them a highly sought-after solution for climate control in high-rise residential and commercial buildings. To keep your unit performing at its best, our Whalen heat pump preventative maintenance guide outlines how to ensure that your machine’s most critical parts stay in working order.
These instructions are for water source units from the Closetline, such as the CASH/V006-060, as well as models from the Whisperline series, like the VP-A-020x–VP-A-120x and WR 006-060. Any testing or repairs discussed in this article will need to be completed by an authorized technician.
Air Filter
A dirty filter can negatively affect your unit’s ability to operate properly, so be sure to change your heat pump’s return air filter monthly. Filters with a MERV rating of 1-8 strike the perfect balance between capturing particles without impeding airflow, so avoid filters rated 9 or higher, as they can overly restrict air movement, reducing efficiency. Always turn off the unit before replacing the filter, and never operate the system without a filter since this will invalidate the warranty.
Drain Pan
Before the beginning of the cooling season, remember to remove any twigs, leaves and other debris from the drain pan and lines so that condensate can flow away from the machine properly. Use a pH-neutral bactericide or bacteriostatic drain pan conditioner to prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odors. In addition to the inspection at the start of the summer, it’s a good idea to keep checking the drain pan periodically throughout the cooling season for small clogs that might grow into larger ones.
Drive Fan
For models with variable-speed fans, the axial fan drive should be checked at least once a year. If there’s a large amount of dust buildup, compressed air can be used to clean out the machine without damaging other internal components.
Air Coil
The heat pump air coil should be cleaned at least once a year, preferably both at the beginning of the cooling season and again at the start of the heating season. Use a hand sprayer to apply a solution of warm water and mild detergent, then rinse the coil by spraying it with clean water. Avoid high-powered jets since these can damage your unit’s sensitive components.
Air Grilles
Air grilles play an important role in facilitating airflow in and out of the system, so check them once every 6 months to make sure there aren’t any obstructions. In addition to maintaining the return air grilles on the unit’s front panel, clean the supply air grilles within the building as well. Additionally, make sure that the supply air grilles aren’t blocked by curtains, furniture or other objects since this may lead to reduced heating and cooling performance.
Unit Exterior
Although taking care of the unit’s internal components is the main priority, cleaning the exterior is part of heat pump preventative maintenance, too. Wipe down the outside panels with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth once every 6 months, and remove any leaves, sticks or other debris near the machine that could impede airflow.
Annual Inspection
An annual inspection should always be part of heat pump maintenance, so be sure to schedule an appointment with a licensed technician at least once a year if not twice. During the visit the authorized technician will perform various preventative maintenance tasks, including:
- Maintaining water loop piping
- Replacing water chassis hoses
- Descaling water generator coils
- Checking compressor amp draw
- Repairing sealed electrical components
- Testing critical electrical connections
- Adjusting unit refrigerant levels
- Lubricating delicate moving parts
- Cleaning fan blower motors
- Calibrating system thermostat settings
Problem Awareness
Although regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing issues, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of reduced performance. From short cycles to failed startups, take a look at our Whalen heat pump troubleshooting guide to help you identify common signs of equipment issues. If you can’t solve the problem on your own, never be afraid to reach out to a licensed technician for further assistance.