I control the year round temperature control for my beach house with an electric heat pump. One of the biggest benefits of a heat pump is that it combines heating and cooling capability into one unit. Although the system was harshly high-priced to purchase and install, I only needed to make the one investment. During the summer months, the heat pump operates a lot like a conventional air conditioning system. It pulls heat from indoor air and pumps it outside through the transition of refrigerant from liquid to gas. During the winter time, the heat pump literally reverses this operation. It draws ambient warmth from outside air, compresses it to a higher temperature and moves it into the home. The process is very clean, quiet and energy efficient. However, the heat pump runs just about all year round. It experiences a great deal of wear and tear. While I only need to hire maintenance for the one component, usual maintenance is harshly substantial. Even a minor buildup of dust within the inner workings can lead to an expensive repair. Contaminants such as dust, pollen, dander, mold and mildew restrict airflow, compromise moving parts, and lead to long running times. The added wear and tear increases the chance of malfunction and causes higher utility bills. I have enrolled in a maintenance program with a local HVAC company. The program includes multiple maintenance visits per year. A licensed HVAC specialist meticulously inspects, cleans and adjusts all components to ensure peak performance. This maintenance quite honestly pays for itself. Not only does professional maintenance fulfill the manufacturer’s warranty requirements, but promotes superior energy efficiency, reliability, and system longevity.