Picture of Steven Simmons

Steven Simmons

Technical Services Manager Southwest District

Speedy Maintenance: Split Heat Pump Fall Check Sheet

Today’s article is a guideline to help new technicians develop a speedy routine while doing fall maintenance on heat pumps. We designed this guide to help make the best use of your time while there. If followed, it will accommodate things such as preventing kneeling in water while checking the outdoor electrical, giving plenty time for the evaporator coil-cleaner to drain, and utilizing the stabilization time, leaving disconnects off, plus more. This guide is one of the best sequences to deliver speedy maintenance while providing a top-tier inspection and cleaning.

1. Arrival

    1. Upon arrival greet customer
    2. Change filter.
    3. Turn the thermostat off AND RECORD SETTINGS.

2. Indoor Unit

    1. Locate air handler.
    2. Turn power off.
    3. Check capacitor. (if available)
    4. Clean indoor coil.
    5. Flush drain line
    6. Inspect blower wheel scoops.
    7. Inspect for burnt/loose wires.
    8. Turn power on.
    9. Verify amount of electric heat (KW) & proper amperage draw for that amount.

3. Outdoor Unit

    1. Locate condensing unit.
    2. Turn power off.
    3. Check capacitor. (if available)
    4. Inspect contactor points.
    5. Inspect for burnt/loose wires.
    6. Clean outdoor coil.
    7. Turn power on.
    8. Turn unit on.
      1. Typically, in cooling mode when above 70f outside.
      2. In heating mode when below 70f outside.
    9. Tests defrost cycle.
      1. Either short defrost pins or use ice water on defrost sensor.
    10. Let unit RUN: 15 MINUTES MINIMUM.
    11. While waiting on units to stabilize, clean up and start Records/ Invoicing.
    12. Check refrigerant pressures.
    13. Record Delta T. 

4. Facing Customer for repairs (skip if no repairs needed)

      1. Talk to and discuss problems with the customer.
        1. Have prices ready.
      2. Make repairs if needed.
      3. Verify unit operation after repairs.     

5. Records/ Invoicing

    1. When filling out invoice records, write down the following:
    2. model/serial numbers of all units checked.
    3. outdoor/indoor temperatures.
    4. Delta T.
    5. refrigerant type, refrigerant pressures.
      1. Including subcool and superheat.(if in cool mode)
    6. Amount of strip heat checked.
    7. MAKE NOTE IF CUSTOMER DECLINES ANY RECOMMENDED REPAIRS.
      1. Notes on invoices are a good CYA policy.

6. Completion/ Signature

    1. Return thermostat to previous mode and setpoint unless customer States otherwise.
    2. Get the invoice signed and collect payment.

Disclaimer: The technical statements, information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof, but Mingledorff’s does not make representations or warranties, express or implied, as to its accuracy, its completeness, or the results to be obtained. The information is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use by persons having adequate skill and expertise regarding the proper selection, use and application of the products and recommendations and at their own risk and discretion. 

More to explore