3 Tips For To Avoid Over Lubricating The Motors On Your Heat Pump

24 November 2015
 Categories: , Blog


If you are having trouble heating or cooling your home, then the motors on your heat pump may not be working efficiently. If the motors on your heat pump are not lubricated regularly, then this will cause the pump to jam. In addition, over lubricating your motors can cause the pump to malfunction. Therefore, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure that the motors are always properly lubricated.

Check to see if You have a Permanently Lubricated Motor

A permanently lubricated motor is already pre-lubricated at the factory. This means that it contains its own oil storage that is designed to last the entire lifetime of the motor and it does not need to be manually lubricated. The a permanently lubricated motor can be accessed through the sealed bearings. However, if you mistakenly add oil to a permanently lubricated motor that is perfectly healthy, then this can damage the motor and lead to problems with your heating system. If you believe that your permanently lubricated motor needs oil, then you should hire a plumber to help you take a look at it.

Start off with a few Drops of Oil

It is easier to add more oil to under lubricated heat pump motors than it is to remove oil from motors that are over oiled. As a result, you should only place a few drops of oil into the oil ports located around the motor. The oil ports are little openings that are covered by caps. A few drops are usually enough to properly coat the motors, but you can turn on your heat pump to ensure that the oil is adequate. If you hear a humming sound, this is an indicator that the motors need more oil. The heat pump should run smoothly and should be noise-free.

Pre-measure the Oil before Pouring

You can avoid over-oiling the motor by pre-measuring your oil before pouring it into the oil ports. You can place a small amount of lubricant into a cap and use the cap to transfer the lubricant. It may be tempting to pour a large amount of oil directly into the oil ports to ensure that they are properly coated. However, this will actually end up hurting the motor and can cause it to overheat.

Keeping the motors on your heat pump properly lubricated is essential in order for your heat pump to function properly. Use these tips to ensure that the motors on your heat pump remain in working condition. For assistance, talk to a professional like Allright Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning.


Share