Keep Your Heat Pump Reliable Through Every Season

We start your system in heating mode and cooling mode—regardless of the season—and observe full operation in both. Testing both modes in one visit ensures we catch failures that show only when the system reverses. A valve that sticks in cooling position won't show a problem during a spring maintenance call, but will fail when heating season arrives. A defrost sensor that's failing won't reveal the problem on a warm fall day, but will cause constant short-cycling once outdoor temperature drops. We inspect the outdoor and indoor units for debris, corrosion, damage, or loose components. We look at ductwork connections, refrigerant lines, and electrical wiring for wear or failure. Leaves and dirt often clog outdoor units; we clear them to restore airflow and efficiency. A clogged condenser forces your system to work much harder to deliver the same heating or cooling, consuming extra electricity and wearing compressor components faster.

• Remove debris blocking the outdoor condenser
• Inspect refrigerant lines for oil residue or visible leaks
• Check electrical wiring for damage or corrosion
• Look for loose fasteners, rust, or frame damage
• Verify all safety switches and controls are functioning
• Confirm mounting hardware and vibration isolation are secure

The reversing valve is the heart of heat pump operation—it's the four-way valve that directs refrigerant flow between heating and cooling modes. We test the reversing valve in both heating and cooling positions and verify it shifts correctly and smoothly when you change the thermostat mode. A stuck or sticking reversing valve is one of the most common heat pump failures. When stuck in cooling position, it prevents heating when cold weather arrives. When stuck in heating position, it blocks cooling in summer. Early stiction (slight resistance to shifting) doesn't cause complete failure yet, but it's a warning sign that the valve is aging. We exercise the valve mechanically and electrically to ensure it transitions smoothly, and we document any stiction so you know a future replacement is coming.

• Test reversing valve solenoid in heating and cooling modes
• Verify the valve shifts without hesitation when mode changes
• Check refrigerant flow direction changes correctly
• Inspect the valve for mechanical corrosion or stiction
• Verify defrost control activates the reversing valve properly
• Document the valve's condition and any stiction observed

Using a digital manifold and precision gauges, we measure refrigerant pressure in heating mode, cooling mode, and during the transition between them. We compare all readings to manufacturer specifications for your specific equipment. Heat pumps are extremely sensitive to charge balance—an imbalance of just a few ounces of refrigerant can reduce heating or cooling capacity significantly and force the compressor to work harder in compensation. Undercharged systems lose capacity and run inefficiently; overcharged systems raise head pressure beyond safe limits and damage the compressor over time. We bring the charge to exact specification for reliable, efficient operation in both modes. We also use electronic leak detection to catch slow leaks that reduce charge gradually over months, so we can address them during maintenance before they cause system failure.

• Measure high-side and low-side refrigerant pressure in both modes
• Compare readings to manufacturer data for your unit
• Test superheat and subcooling to verify proper charge
• Check for leaks using electronic leak detection
• Adjust charge if needed and document the procedure
• Record pressure data for comparison next season

Evaporator and condenser coils accumulate dust that blocks heat transfer. We clean them to restore efficiency. We run a full defrost cycle test to verify the system correctly reverses to heating mode to melt ice off the outdoor coil in cold weather, then returns to normal operation. We measure airflow to ensure your system is pushing adequate air to every room in both heating and cooling.

• Clean the indoor evaporator coil using approved coil cleaner
• Clean the outdoor condenser coil to remove dirt and debris
• Run a defrost cycle and verify timing and operation
• Measure airflow through supply and return ducts
• Check temperature rise/drop in both heating and cooling modes
• Verify fan operation, bearing noise, and blade condition
• Confirm proper ductwork insulation in unconditioned spaces

We provide a written report of what we found, any adjustments made, and the condition of your system. You'll understand your heat pump's health and what to monitor until the next tune-up. Our report includes photographs of any corroded connections or dirty coils, refrigerant pressure data from both modes, defrost cycle observations, and a timeline for any components aging toward replacement.

• Document refrigerant pressure and charge in a written report
• Note any aging components and their expected replacement timeline
• Provide guidance on filter changeout frequency for your home
• Schedule your next maintenance appointment (spring if this was fall, fall if spring)
• Review your Breeze Protection Plan benefits and coverage
• Answer any questions about your system's year-round operation