Heat pumps are by far the most efficient type of home heating and cooling system on the market today. They offer superior comfort without any toxic exhaust fumes. However, heat pumps don’t last forever. Let’s dive into how long heat pumps last and when to tell it’s time for an upgrade.
Types of Heat Pumps
You can purchase two main heat pump styles for your home: air-source and ground-source, also known as geothermal. Air-source heat pumps use the air to regulate the temperature in your home, while geothermal heat pumps use the soil to regulate the temperature.
Air-source heat pumps are the most popular and last between 10 and 15 years. On the other hand, geothermal heat pumps can last homeowners between 20 and 25 years, which can be a great draw for many people. However, the overall lifespan of your heat pump will depend on numerous factors.
What Influences Your Heat Pump’s Longevity?
A heat pump’s overall lifespan will depend highly on the specific home where it’s used. If your heat pump receives regular maintenance on an annual basis, it’s likely to last longer than if it doesn’t. If you get prompt repair service when something goes wrong with your system, it will last much longer than if you continue to run it and create more damage. How often you run your heat pump and what temperatures you set on your thermostat will also play a significant role in the overall longevity of your heat pump.
It’s Getting Up There in Age
One of the most obvious reasons that you’ll want to replace your heat pump is that it’s getting toward the end of its expected lifespan. While you can certainly wait for the system to fail on you completely, that’s not ideal. You may find yourself without a working HVAC system for days during the worst of the temperature extremes until a new unit can be installed properly. You don’t want to have to worry about not having heat in the winter or cool air in the summer. Choosing to schedule a replacement at a convenient time can help make the process quicker, smoother, and more stress-free.
Frequent and Expensive Repair Bills
Another key sign that you need to replace your heat pump soon is that you constantly call for repair service. Your heat pump shouldn’t need to be repaired more than a handful of times over its entire lifespan. If you call every year or multiple times a year for repair service, it’s time to consider upgrading to a new system. Furthermore, if any one repair service costs half or more of the total cost of a new heat pump replacement, it’s typically best to get a replacement.
Decreased Indoor Comfort
As your heat pump nears the end of its lifespan, its internal components will wear out. This deterioration will drastically decrease your system’s ability to control the temperature inside your home adequately. Eventually, you’ll notice that your heat pump simply can’t keep up with your heating and cooling demands. If you’ve ruled out low refrigerant as the cause of your decreased comfort, it’s likely time to consider upgrading to a new heat pump.
Higher Energy Bills
Higher energy bills also indicate that your heat pump is becoming less efficient. This reduction in efficiency will happen over a series of months or even years. You’ll simply notice that your bills seem much higher than you’re used to, and there’s no other viable reason for them to be going up, such as purchasing a new appliance.
It Still Uses R-22 Refrigerant
If your old heat pump still runs on R-22 refrigerant, it’s time to consider an upgrade. This refrigerant type is no longer used in the HVAC industry due to its high global warming potential. Finding refrigerant to recharge your system will be extremely costly, to say the least.
It’s typically better to upgrade to a new system that uses R454B or one of the other new AL2 refrigerants. These are better for the environment and more readily available and affordable when repairs are inevitably needed.
Excessive Noise During Operation
As your heat pump runs over the years, you’ll get used to its normal sounds of operation. As your heat pump ages, its components will naturally wear out and start to create more noise. If your system seems to be getting noisier each year, it’s a key indicator that it’s likely on its last leg and needs a replacement soon.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Heat Pump
One of the most obvious benefits of upgrading to a new heat pump is that you can take advantage of more energy-efficient operation. New heat pumps are more efficient than older ones. This improved efficiency will lead to lower utility bills for you throughout the entire year.
Another benefit of getting a new system is that it will come with a new warranty contract. This warranty will help cover the cost of defective components and give you peace of mind about your financial future. Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about your system potentially breaking down during the worst of the winter or summer weather.
Another well-known benefit of getting a new heat pump for your home is that you can cash in on some tax incentives and rebates. Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2020, homeowners who purchase an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of their new system, up to a maximum of $3,200. Furthermore, state governments, local governments, and even local utility companies may offer rebates and tax incentives to help you further recoup some of the upfront cost of purchasing a new heat pump.
The Importance of Professional Installation
With so many homeowners DIYing various areas of their homes, it isn’t uncommon to feel tempted to replace your heat pump yourself. The reality is that heat pumps should only be installed by HVAC technicians for a few reasons. One of the most important is that only professional installation will activate the warranty coverage on your heat pump.
If you encounter a defective component a couple of years after installing the system yourself, the manufacturer could deny your warranty claim, stating that the problem was due to faulty installation. Since repairing a heat pump can be costly, it only makes sense to invest in professional installation to ensure that your warranty is active. Additionally, a professional can charge the refrigerant for you.
Exceptional Heat Pump Service
Liberty Comfort Systems offers exceptional heat pump service for the Anoka, MN, area. We can also assist with all your heating services as well as your, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, indoor air quality, duct cleaning, humidifier, dehumidifier, commercial, new construction, and basement finishing needs. Customer satisfaction is our top priority on every project, no matter how large or small. Call us today to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful HVAC technicians.