The Importance of Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Maintenance for Adequate Airflow

Written By: Kevin Ukkonen; HVAC Expert, Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical

When it comes to keeping your air conditioner or heat pump running efficiently, one of the most important factors is airflow. Without proper airflow, your system has to work harder, leading to higher energy bills, decreased comfort, and potential long-term damage. Here’s what you need to know to keep your AC or heat pump performing at its best.

Keep Your Registers Open

A common misconception is that closing vents in unused rooms saves energy. However, your HVAC system was originally designed assuming that most (if not all) registers would remain open. Closing too many registers restricts airflow, increases system strain, and can even cause freezing on the AC or heat pump coil. 

To maintain efficiency and longevity, I recommend keeping all your registers open whenever possible. If you must close some, limit it to no more than 10% of your home’s registers.

Change Your Furnace Filter—Even in AC or Heat Pump Cooling Season

Many homeowners forget that changing their furnace filter is just as critical during the cooling season as changing their AC or heat pump filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder and reducing efficiency. 

Most standard filters should be changed every three months, but if you have pets or allergies, you may need to replace them even more frequently.

How to Choose the Right Air Filter

• Avoid ultra-high-efficiency filters from hardware stores, as they can restrict airflow too much.
• The cheapest disposable filters often work best for most homes.
• If you want better filtration without sacrificing airflow, ask about polarized media air filtration. This type of filtration captures more contaminants without overworking your system.

Schedule Regular AC or Heat Pump Service and Coil Cleaning

Even with proper filter maintenance, your cooling system’s indoor coil can still accumulate dust and debris over time. This buildup blocks airflow and reduces efficiency. During an AC or heat pump tune-up, we perform specialized measurements to determine if your coil needs cleaning. 

Keeping your cooling system serviced regularly ensures that airflow remains optimal, leading to better cooling, lower energy bills, and fewer repairs down the road.

Contact Bee’s Knees for Optimal Air Flow and AC and Heat Pump Care

By following these simple steps, you’ll improve the efficiency of your air conditioner or heat pump, extend its lifespan, and keep your home comfortable all summer long. 

If you have any questions about airflow, filter choices, or AC or heat pump maintenance, reach out to Bee’s Knees Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electrical at 778-505-2547 or request service online—we’re here to help!