By Peter, Master Electrician | PRO Electric plus HVAC | Heating Systems
Ashburn Heat Pump Tune-Ups | Spring & Fall Maintenance Lowers Energy Bills
Hi, I’m Peter, an HVAC Technician with PRO Electric plus HVAC.
In Ashburn, your heat pump operates almost year-round.
It cools your home in summer and heats it in winter.
Because it performs both jobs, it requires two checkups a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.
These quick tune-ups keep your system efficient and lower your energy bills.
Why Spring and Fall Tune-Ups Matter
A heat pump is like two machines in one.
Dirt, loose wires, low refrigerant levels, or weak airflow can cause the unit to run longer and increase its operating costs.
Seasonal tune-ups catch small issues before they become big, expensive problems.
They also help your system switch cleanly between cooling and heating.
What I Do During a Tune-Up
When I service an Ashburn home, I go step by step:
Airflow & Filters
Check the filter, measure the airflow, and ensure that the supply and return vents are open.
Coils
Clean the indoor evaporator and outdoor condenser coils to allow heat to move quickly.
Refrigerant Check
Measure pressures and temperatures. If levels are off, I find the cause—no guesswork or “top-offs” without fixing leaks.
Electrical & Safety
Test capacitors, tighten connections, inspect the contactor and control board, and verify safeties.
Fan & Blower
Inspect the blades and blower wheel, check the motor’s amperage, balance, and listen for noise or vibration.
Defrost & Thermostat (fall)
Verify the defrost cycle, confirm thermostat settings, and test auxiliary heat so you’re ready for cold snaps.
Performance Test
Confirm temperature split, cycling, and overall system response in both modes.
How Tune-Ups Lower Your Bills
- Clean coils = shorter run times
- Correct refrigerant charge = better heat transfer
- Strong airflow = fewer hot/cold spots
- Healthy motors and capacitors = less strain and quieter operation
Put simply, the system does the same job with less electricity.
Signs You Should Call Right Away
- Longer cycles but poor comfort
- Ice on the outdoor unit or lines
- Loud rattling, screeching, or buzzing
- Breaker tripping when the unit starts
- Sudden jump in your utility bill
What You Can Do Between Visits
- Replace your filter every 1–3 months
- Keep two feet of clearance around the outdoor unit
- Trim shrubs, blow grass clippings away from the coil, and never pressure wash it
- Keep supply and return vents open
- After storms, clear leaves, snow, and ice from the outdoor unit
A Local Note for Ashburn Homes
Ashburn has lots of townhomes, HOA screens, and heavy spring pollen.
I often find outdoor units tucked behind lattice or shrubs that choke airflow.
Keep screens set back and open on all sides.
Spring pollen sticks to coils fast, so a gentle rinse (power off) helps between tune-ups.
Final Thought
Your heat pump is a workhorse.
Give it a spring and fall tune-up, and it will reward you with lower bills, fewer repairs, and steady comfort—no matter the season.
If you’re in Ashburn and want a thorough tune-up, call PRO Electric plus HVAC at 703-225-8222 and ask for Peter.
I’ll get your heat pump ready for the weather ahead.
📞 Call 703-225-822 now or book online while you’re thinking about it.
