Introduction
Clean the air filter in the heat pump water heater periodically to maintain water heater performance.
Why
Unlike gas or electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters have an air filter that should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months to maintain the efficiency, longevity, and hot water production of the heat pump water heater.
What You'll Need
- Vacuum with brush attachment
- Dish cleaning liquid and warm water
- Soft scrub brush
- A step ladder.
1. Turn off the water heater.
Turn off the water heater at the circuit breaker or change the mode of the water heater to Vacation Mode or Electric Mode. Remember to flip the circuit breaker or return the water heater operation mode back to heat pump or hybrid mode when done cleaning the filter.
2. Locate the air filter.
The location of the air filter on the heat pump water heater varies by manufacturer. For some models, the air filter is located on top of the water heater (Figure 1). For other models, there is a slot on top of the water heater (Figure 2) or in the intake air duct to hold the air filter (Figure 3). You may need a step ladder to access the filter easily.
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3. Vacuum the air filter.
Remove the air filter and thoroughly vacuum it with the dust brush attachment of your vacuum (Figure 4). If the dust on your filters is sticky, the filter can be washed in warm water with a few drops of dish washing liquid and using a soft-bristle brush or a sponge to remove residue and clean the filter. Allow the filter to air dry before re-installing it.
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4. Re-install the air filter.
Re-install the air filter (Figure 5). Set a reminder on your calendar to check the air filter again in 3 to 6 months.
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5. Restore power to the HPWH.
Turn the heat pump water heater circuit breaker back on. (Figure 6) Wait a few minutes for it to complete its startup sequence. Adjust the mode, if necessary, back to heat pump or hybrid mode.
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6. Reset the reminder.
If your heat pump water heater has a filter-cleaning reminder setting, after cleaning the air filter, reset the reminder. Typically, it involves pressing and holding a button for a few seconds (Figure 7). For some models, the reminder is cleared by turning off power to the water heater (described in step 1) and restoring power, as described in step 5.
