Winter (Dec – Feb)
Homeowner
- Keep snow clear (2ft clearance)
- Check filters monthly
- Monitor for excessive ice
Professional
- Verify auxiliary heat strips
- Check defrost board operation
A quick seasonal roadmap for Utah homeowners to protect efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and prep for winter & summer extremes.
From the heavy valley inversions in Salt Lake City to the blistering dry heat of July in Lehi or Sandy, Utah’s climate presents high-demand conditions. Unlike a standard furnace that remains dormant for half the year, your heat pump is a year-round workhorse, providing critical cooling in the summer and primary heating throughout the winter.
Because it pulls double duty, a heat pump accumulates "mileage" twice as fast as a standalone furnace or air conditioner. Without regular heat pump maintenance in Utah, efficiencies drop, utility bills spike, and the lifespan of your unit decreases significantly.
At North Star Heating & Air Conditioning, we have seen firsthand how a little preventative care goes a long way. Since 1998, we have helped local homeowners keep their systems running smoothly, ensuring you aren't left in the cold when a January snowstorm hits.
From sub-zero nights to 100°F+ days, your system needs to handle a 100-degree variance.
Particulate matter clogs filters and coils faster here than in humid climates.
Spring cottonwood seeds can blanket outdoor units, choking off airflow.
Why invest in a tune-up? It pays for itself in efficiency and longevity.
Clean coils and fresh filters mean your system uses less electricity to do the same job.
Catch small issues before they turn into mid-winter breakdowns.
Most emergency calls we receive could have been prevented with routine care.
Well-maintained heat pumps can last 12-15 years, protecting your investment.
Fact: Maintenance typically costs less than emergency repairs during a snowstorm or peak summer day. Check availability for a tune-up
While professional servicing requires a licensed technician, there are vital tasks you can do to keep your system efficient between visits.
Replace at least every 90 days. If you have pets or live in dusty areas like Eagle Mountain, check every 30 days. Dirty filters are the #1 cause of failure.
Summer: Rinse off cottonwood seeds and dust with a gentle hose. Winter: Keep snow cleared 2 feet away. Don't let drifts block airflow.
Avoid drastic temperature setbacks. Heat pumps work best with steady temperatures. Large drops can trigger expensive auxiliary heat strips.
Clogged coils reduce efficiency by up to 30%
If you notice ice completely encasing your outdoor unit during winter—and it doesn't melt after a defrost cycle—do not try to chip it away with sharp objects. You could puncture the coils. Call our team immediately for safe de-icing.
Manufacturers recommend professional service twice a year. Here is what to expect from a North Star technician:
We deep clean coils to maximize airflow and clear condensate drains to prevent water damage.
We tighten connections and test capacitors. Loose wires are a common fire hazard.
We measure levels precisely. Even a slight leak reduces heating capacity drastically.
We cycle through heating, cooling, and defrost modes to ensure the reversing valve works.
You get a clear, no-pressure report of your system's health.
Keep your home in Salt Lake County or Utah County comfortable year-round.
Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough. Here is how to tell if you need a repair.
Swooshing: Often normal (defrost cycle).
Grinding/Screeching: ABNORMAL. Turn system off immediately and call us. Likely a motor bearing failure.
Heat pumps blow air at 90–95°F (cooler than body temp). This is normal if the room temp is holding. If room temp is dropping, you may have a compressor issue.
Light frost is normal. Thick sheets of ice or ice inside the coil indicate a problem with defrost sensors or low refrigerant.
If you are unsure, we can help triage over the phone. We offer 24/7 emergency service.
We are a second-generation family business serving West Jordan, Orem, and Draper. We don't just work here; we live here.
Since 1998
Your Local Experts
Don’t wait for the hottest day of July or a snowstorm in January to find out your system needs help. Proper maintenance saves you money and stress.
Planning a system upgrade in 2026? Explore our high-efficiency Heat Pump Installation services.