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Air Source Heat Pump DIY Maintenance + Guides

Being the proud owner of an air source heat pump can significantly contribute to both energy efficiency and a climate-friendly home. However, things can turn south if you aren’t keeping up with regular maintenance to ensure your heat pump’s optimal performance. We’re big fans of do-it-yourself maintenance on your products in between professional servicing to keep your air source heat pump running in tip-top shape. Follow this simple DIY maintenance guide for your heat pump to get tips and tricks on self-maintenance for your heat pump, plus get a printable option for you to use whenever you need it, along with insights on when it’s time to call an expert.

Understanding Your Air Source Heat Pump:

Before we just jump into the how-tos on self-maintaining your heat pump, it’s super important to understand how the heat pump itself operates. Essentially, your air source heat pump works by transferring heat from the outside air into your home, and vice versa to cool it in the warmer months. It’s wild to know that there’s heat outside, even when temps are in the negatives, but it’s true! There are multiple parts that work to make all of this happen in your heat pump, including a compressor, condenser, evaporator, and refrigerant lines.

Tips for Heat Pump Self-Maintenance:

1 – Regularly Clean or Replace Air Filters:

One of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks is cleaning or replacing your heat pump’s air filters. Clogged filters restrict airflow, reducing the heat pump’s efficiency and potentially leading to system malfunctions. Check your filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed, especially during peak usage seasons. Want to see filter cleaning in action? Check out our video on how to clean your wall-mounted heat pump air filters, or see our video on how to clean your mini-split ceiling-mounted heat pump air filters.

2 – Keep Outdoor Unit Clear:

The outdoor unit of your heat pump can accumulate dirt, debris, leaves, and even snow depending on the season. Make sure that the area around your heat pump’s outdoor unit remains clear to allow proper airflow. Trim back any growth from bushes, trees, or grass, and be sure to remove any obstructions that could block airflow to the unit.

3 – Inspect and Clean Coils:

Both your heat pump’s outdoor condenser coil and indoor evaporator coil can collect dirt and dust over time, hindering heat transfer. By periodically inspecting these coils and cleaning them, you’ll ensure efficient performance. For the outdoor unit, you can use a hose. Make sure you’re gentle to avoid damaging the fins. For the indoor unit, use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.

4 – Check and Clean Drainage System:

A clogged condensate drain on your heat pump can cause water leakage or potentially even water damage to your home, and that’s no good! Inspect the condensate drain regularly and be sure to remove any obstructions using a vacuum or a mixture of water and mild detergent. Ensuring proper drainage prevents future issues.

5 – Monitor Refrigerant Levels:

While refrigerant leaks are very uncommon, it’s essential to monitor the refrigerant levels periodically to be sure nothing fishy’s happening with your heat pump. Low refrigerant levels may indicate a leak or other issues that require professional attention. If you notice a significant decrease in cooling or heating efficiency, contact the team at Elephant Energy to inspect and recharge the refrigerant as needed.

6 – Test Thermostat and Controls:

Regularly test your thermostat and heat pump controls to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Sometimes, it can be as simple as replacing the batteries in your thermostat if you’re having issues. You’ll also want to ensure that the settings are appropriate for your climate-friendly home’s needs.

7 – Lubricate Moving Parts:

Some components of your air source heat pump, such as fan motors and bearings, may require lubrication to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation. Refer to your owner’s manual for guidance on lubrication intervals and the type of lubricant to use.

Take a look at our best practices, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips for your heat pump from our team here:

Mitsubishi Heat Pump User Guide
includes: Mitsubishi PUZ, Mitsubishi MXZ-SM/PVFY, Mitsubishi MXZ36-SVZ24, and Mitsubishi MXZ36

When to Call in the Experts:

While self-maintenance can help keep your air source heat pump in good condition, there are certain situations where professional assistance is necessary. Good news – we’re only a phone call or email away!

1 – Complex Repairs:

If you encounter any issues beyond basic maintenance tasks, such as compressor failure, refrigerant leaks, or electrical problems, it’s best to contact the team at Elephant, where we have qualified HVAC technicians ready to help. Attempting complex repairs without proper training and equipment can lead to further damage or safety hazards.

2 – Annual Professional Servicing:

We’re huge supporters of you performing DIY maintenance on your heat pump, but annual professional service can cover the more difficult and complex maintenance needs! During these service visits, a technician will conduct thorough inspections, tune-ups, and system diagnostics to ensure your heat pump is running at its best and proactively address any issues they may see with an expert eye.

3 – Warranty Coverage:

By installing your heat pump with Elephant Energy, you’ll automatically receive a one year warranty for labor. Our Mitsubishi heat pumps that we install also come with a 12- year manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, the Elephant Energy Maintenance + Extended Labor Warranty Packages are a great way to ensure the investment on your heat pump is well-maintained.

Elephant Energy maintenance plan

Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines while also relying on authorized service providers will preserve your warranty coverage. Remember – attempting large DIY repairs yourself or neglecting maintenance overall can void your warranty, so be sure you’re taking close care!

Maintaining your air source heat pump is crucial for maximizing its efficiency, lifespan, and performance. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can perform basic maintenance tasks yourself and while keeping your heat pump running smoothly. However, remember to seek professional assistance for complex repairs and schedule annual servicing to address any underlying issues and ensure long-term reliability. With proper care and attention, your air source heat pump can continue to provide efficient heating and cooling for years to come.

Ready to get started? Join us in building a brighter future by electrifying everything, starting with homes. Your choice today shapes our collective tomorrow!

5 Ways to Hard Launch your Relationship (With your Heat Pump)

Valentine’s Day is a time of public declarations – when even those of us that typically refrain from PDA find the courage to tell the world, “hey, just in case it wasn’t clear, I really love this person!”. This can take many shapes and forms–engagement, marriage–and even the “hard launch”, which often happens on our social media feeds.

We’re here with a hot take: if you have a heat pump, it’s time to hard launch your relationship with it this Valentine’s Day.

Why? Well, put simply, personal climate action is contagious – in a good way! Research on solar panel adoption (replicated many times, in many geographies) shows that the biggest predictor of whether you will purchase solar panels is whether your neighbor has already done so! Why? As Katherine Hayhoe so eloquently explains, this lowers “the ‘cost’ of information”. Knowing that you can go down the street and ask who installed the equipment and how it went is, well, comforting.

This isn’t the only research that underscores the importance of social proof when it comes to home electrification, though. A study recently published in the journal Energy Policy about household energy decision-making and technology adoption in the U.S. found that the top two information sources homeowners sought after during their consideration process were (1) their own friends and family (~42% survey respondents), and (2) online reviews (~36% of survey respondents).

Here’s the tricky thing about heat pumps and heat pump water heaters though, though. These HVAC systems are hidden away in our basements, utility closets, and backyards – entirely out of sight from the neighbors, typically. Remember the old conundrum, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it does it even make a sound?” Feels pretty relevant here!

The point is, taking a public stand for personal climate action can dramatically accelerate the pace of progress in your orbit. By taking a few minutes to  “hard launch” your home electrification efforts, you have the opportunity to create a ripple effect of decarbonization far beyond the four walls of your own home.

How to “Hard Launch” your heat pump (on social)

Social media is a great place to share your story! We created these love notes to make it easy.

They are yours to save, use, and share! You can tag us on any of these platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok).

 

How to Hard Launch your heat pump without social media

No social media? No problem! We’re taking advice from our friends at VeryWellMind on hard launching your relationship without social media, and translating that to heat pumps.

  • Send a group text to your friends or family members. This can include the name and a photo of your partner. Yes this works great! “Heat Pump” has entered the chat.
  • Call your friends and family individually to discuss your relationship. Another strong option – share your reasons for why you went electric in a good ol’ fashioned phone call
  • Bring your partner out with you to meet your friends. Ehh, this one’s a little trickier…but snapping a selfie with your heat pump to share with friends might just do the trick!
  • Take your partner home to meet your family. This one’s even harder. Then again, dropping off information about a heat pump might be the move
  • Plan a gathering at which you’ll introduce your new partner to your social circle. This one is a gem! Throw a “meet my heat pump” party (and be sure to send us photos)!

So yes, make the cheesy post about your partner (seriously, always make the cheesy post), but don’t forget to also affirm your commitment to a cause that also needs your support now more than ever – the climate.


Ready to get started? Join us in building a brighter future by electrifying everything, starting with homes. Your choice today shapes our collective tomorrow!

Colorado State Heat Pump Tax Credit Filing Instructions

A new Colorado State tax credit for heat pumps and heat pump water heaters went into effect on January 1, 2023. This guide is only for heat pumps installed in the state of Colorado in 2023.

  • The tax credit is an income tax reduction based on 10% of the price of the equipment, not including installation charges. 
  • The 10% tax credit also extends to electrical panel upgrades (if needed for the heat pump or heat pump water heater installation) and energy storage systems.
  • Inclusive Definition: “Building owners” encompass lessees with lessor-approved installations.

How to Claim / File for the Income Tax Credit:

Fill out Form DR 1322. This must accompany the building owner’s Colorado income tax return. Instructions below.
Note: If you are an Elephant Energy customer, download and use this Form DR 1322 as it is signed by us.

Disclaimer: While we provide guidance, it’s crucial to seek advice from a tax professional regarding individual tax situations. Our presentation doesn’t assume liability for your specific tax circumstances.

  1. PART 1 – Eligibility Certification
    • Building Owner Information: Fill in your name, Social Security number, and address. Include your spouse’s details only if filing jointly. If the building owner is a business, provide its name and Federal Employer Identification number.
      Screenshot of tax form for building owner information
    • Contractor: 
      1. Business Name: Elephant Energy, Inc.
      2. FEIN: 61-1992874
      3. Mailing Address: 1390 Yellow Pine Avenue
      4. City: Boulder
      5. State & Zip Code: CO 80304
        Contractor information on a tax form
    • Line 1 Installation Address and Date: List the street address of the building where the heat pump or heat pump water heater was installed.
      Installation address and date
    • Line 2 Purchase Type, Building Type, and Installation Standard 
      1. For purchase type, select the relevant purchase made from one of the highlighted products that Elephant Energy supplies below (with star).
      2. For building type, choose “Residential”.
      3. For Installation Standard, check “Licensed Contractor with Specialized Technicians”
    • Line 3 Purchase Information: provide the purchase date, serial numbers of the main components of the heat pump or water heater, along with their make and model details. This information is in your invoice from Elephant Energy.
    • Line 4 Certification of System Requirements and Installation Standards: Elephant Energy can confirm that its installations meet all 6 criteria.
      Purchase information tax form for energy creditPurchase Information
    • Line 5 Amount of Income Tax Credit
      1. On Line 5a, input the equipment-only cost (do not include labor cost). Please refer to your invoice for this breakdown.
      2. On Line 5b, calculate your heat pump system or water heater credit by multiplying the amount from Line 5a by 10% (0.10). This resulting figure represents your eligible credit. If you’re not assigning the credit, transfer this amount to the appropriate credit schedule (DR 0104CR, DR 0106CR, or DR 0112CR).
        Amount of Income Tax Credit
  1. PART 2 – Contractor Certification Sales Tax Exemption – Elephant Energy installations have already taken the sales tax exemption so there is nothing for you to do here.
  2. PART 3 – Election Statement for Assignment of Income Tax Credit – Elephant Energy systems are not eligible for assignment back to Elephant Energy.

And once again, thank you for being a part of the Elephant Energy Herd!! We couldn’t be where we are without wonderful customers like yourselves. And in return, we’re here for you – before, during, and after your Climate-Friendly Home Upgrade.

Stay Cool and Save Big: Why You Should Replace Your Old AC with a Heat Pump

Summer is in the air, and if you’re feeling the heat, it may be because that clunky, old air conditioner just isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s time for an upgrade, but choosing the right replacement is crucial. Opting for the wrong system can result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in wasted expenses each year, and choosing the right one can cut your cooling costs in half. Worried you’ll get it wrong? No sweat! Elephant Energy is here to support you, and we highly recommend considering heat pumps.

Continue reading “Stay Cool and Save Big: Why You Should Replace Your Old AC with a Heat Pump”

Ultimate Guide to Mini Split Heat Pumps

Here at Elephant, we love heat pumps! And can you blame us? They help the planet, save money, and heat and cool your home WAY more efficiently than anything else on the market. All heat pumps are great, but different types of heat pumps bring different things to the table. Mini Split heat pumps are a particularly handy solution for certain homes – especially those without ducts. Wondering if mini splits are right for your home? That’s why we’re sharing our Ultimate Guide to Mini Split Heat Pumps.

Continue reading “Ultimate Guide to Mini Split Heat Pumps”