Transitioning Your Heat Pump Use Between Seasons

One reason Oregon homeowners love heat pumps is that they function as an all-in-one heating and cooling unit. Instead of purchasing and maintaining a separate furnace and air conditioning system, you can simply transition your heat pump from the heat setting to the cooling setting and vice versa as seasons warrant.

Our Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning team wants you to understand how to make this transition safely and effectively.

How a Heat Pump Works

Instead of generating heat by burning a fuel like natural gas, a heat pump simply moves the heat from one location to another. Essentially, it operates just like an air conditioner but has the capability to perform the action in both directions.

Air conditioners do not create cooled air. Instead, a constantly moving refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home, pumps it to the outdoor unit, and releases the heat outside. The result is a lower indoor temperature. A heat pump can work as an air conditioner in the summer.

During the winter, the heat pump takes heat from the outside air, which is possible even in cold outdoor temperatures, and releases that heat inside your home to warm your living space.

According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a heat pump can reduce your heating-related electricity consumption by up to 75 percent over conventional furnace systems, saving you on energy costs.

Homeowner Heat Pump Maintenance To-Do List

As a homeowner, the transition seasons of spring and fall are the perfect times to conduct some basic heat pump maintenance. These simple steps will help ensure your system is ready for the upcoming season.

• First, replace your air filter. Most filters should be replaced every three to six months. This can help improve your heat pump’s efficiency and operation as well as your home’s indoor air quality.
• Then, take a look at the outside unit and be sure you cut down and remove weeds or other growth within two or three feet so your heat pump has plenty of air circulation.
• It’s a good idea to clean your coils and look for any wire damage or discoloration.
• Also, flush and clean your drain line and prime the trap if needed.
• Finally, check your thermostat settings and adjust them for the new season’s weather.

Professional Maintenance To-Do List

If you’ve completed your homeowner checklist for transitioning your heat pump, it’s time to call in our professionals for a biannual check. Our heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) team will provide a complete inspection, cleaning, and tune-up at an affordable price that will ultimately save you stress, time, and money on repairs later in the season.

A professional should check and adjust refrigerant levels in your heat pump. Only a professional can add coolant and repair leaks correctly.

If you notice any potential electrical problems, a trained technician can repair exposed wiring or loose connections. Your blower motor should be oiled, and its wheels should be inspected for balance. Finally, your evaporator coils should be checked and cleaned during this visit.

Protect Your Heat Pump During Shoulder Seasons

During spring and autumn, when daytime temperatures rise but nights remain chilly, it can be challenging to manage your heat pump efficiently. Manually switching back and forth between heating and cooling can overwork your system, potentially leading to issues like short cycling or even tripped circuit breakers.

That’s because heat pumps consume extra energy when turning on and off. Frequent manual mode changes—especially without allowing proper time between settings—can cause the compressor to lock up. For instance, if your system is in cooling mode and you suddenly switch to heating without a pause, it may trigger a safety shutdown. The same risk applies when transitioning from heating to cooling.

To avoid these problems, we recommend using a programmable or smart thermostat that allows for automatic transitions between heating and cooling. These thermostats help maintain indoor comfort while protecting your system by adjusting modes gradually and preventing unnecessary cycling. Many smart models include built-in safeguards, such as anti-short-cycling features and adaptive settings, making them ideal for shoulder season fluctuations.

If you’re manually switching modes, be sure to wait at least five minutes between transitions to give your system time to reset. But for convenience, energy savings, and system protection, a smart thermostat is the wise move.

Call Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning With Any Heat Pump Needs

When you’re ready for your heat pump’s professional maintenance service call, contact Alpine Heating & Air Conditioning in Cottage Grove, to schedule an appointment. We’d be happy to come out to perform a comprehensive inspection, cleaning, and tune-up.

We can also help you with a heat pump repair or replacement. Call 541-688-0426 or request service online today.