How To Service Heat Pumps On A Roof

On many buildings, especially large commercial or residential properties with flat roofs, the heat pumps and air conditioners are on the roof. Flat roofs, since they aren't visible from the ground, can hide these large and unsightly appliances. It is far more attractive to have your air conditioners on your roof than mounted on the side of the building or in the windows.

Roof Units are Vulnerable

However, whenever you have an air conditioner unit on the roof, it is completely exposed. It doesn't have any protection besides the actual shell of the cabinet. Because of this, air conditioning units that are installed on a roof need to be maintained more often than units that are on the side of a building. Here are two easy ways you can protect your roof mounted heat pump.

Cover it Up As Much as Possible

If you live somewhere that you will not be using your air conditioner for the majority of the year, it will be very helpful to cover it up. Covering your roof unit is particularly important if you live somewhere with snow during the winter. An air conditioner is technically waterproof, but letting snow, ice, and winter storms beat down on your unit is never advisable. For example, moisture can drip inside your unit and can freeze up around the important electrical components, causing possible issues with electrical lines when it eventually melts. Covering your unit with a waterproof and durable vinyl cover will protect it for years to come.

Get it Tuned Up

Another important thing you need to do to protect your unit it is to have it tuned up before summer begins. This is important to do even if your unit was covered during the winter. An HVAC technician will not just double check all of the parts to make sure that they are connected and properly working; he will also make sure that there is nothing obstructing the motor system. Technicians will give it a thorough cleaning and remove anything that possibly could present a problem. For example, having a bird create a nest inside your fan compartment could end up damaging the motor.

Smart building owners will have their roof heat pump inspected, tuned up, and cleaned every single year. However, if you do keep your unit well covered during winter, you might only need to have it serviced once every few years. For more information on heating unit installation and maintenance, contact an HVAC contractor near you today.

Share