How Long Does a Heat Pump Last?

A heat pump is a part of any HVAC system nowadays. Heat pumps can regulate the air temperature to a desired comfort level. Unlike the furnace or air conditioner, this is a single system for heating and cooling. But, can heat pumps last as long as a furnace or ac?

In this article, we will explore the lifespan of heat pumps, provide practical tips to maximize the service life of your heat pump, and when should you repair or replace your heat pump.

TL;DR

A heat pump is responsible for taking the outdoor air and either cooling it or heating it before it circulates through your home. Usually, they last up to 15 years depending on installation, usage, and location. When issues arise with your heat pump, there are things you can do to troubleshoot like changing the air filter, checking the refrigerant levels, and getting it looked at by a professional. 

Basics of Heat Pump

Heat pumps are responsible for cooling and heating the outdoor air, and then releasing it into your home. It has two modes- heating and cooling.

In the heating mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the outside environment to its refrigerant (even when it’s cold outside). The refrigerant goes through a compressor and gets even warmer. Then the refrigerant finally releases the heat into an indoor unit. And, the cycle repeats.

In the cooling mode, a heat pump works in opposite. When it is cool, it takes heat from indoors and releases the heat in the outdoor environment in the cycle.

How Long Does a Heat Pump Last?

There are a lot of factors that determine how long heat pumps last, but generally they last about 10-15 years. The lifespan still varies depending on different factors such as its brand, how often you use it, the climate you live in, etc.

Factors Affecting Heat Pump Longevity

With the right factors, heat pumps can last longer than their usual 10-15-year period. The factors that affect the heat pump’s lifespan are:

• Brand: The heat pump’s brand hugely determines its lifespan. Trusted brands like Lennox, Goodman, and American Standard are known for their durability.
  The Chill Brothers have been a Premier Lennox Dealer and won many Lennox awards in the past. They are skilled, professional, and licensed in a range of HVAC solutions. Serving areas like Austin, The Chill Brothers are just a call away for all your HVAC needs.

• Installation/Maintenance: If the installation is done properly and by a professional, heat pumps can easily last up to their expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years. It is also important to get regular tune-ups to ensure all components of the system are running properly. 
• Location: Your system needs to work harder to heat and cool your home if the outside temperatures get too low or extremely high. This results in higher wear and tear of heat pumps.
• Usage: In Texas, we have crazy weather. It can either be scorching hot, or blistering cold. If you keep your HVAC system running all the time, your heat pump may need to be replaced sooner than normal. 

Signs of Aging in Heat Pumps 

Do you think your heat pump is entering its last stage of life? Some identifiable signs to watch out for an aging heat pump are: 

• An increase in your energy bills
• System short-cycling 
• Strange noises 
• Unwanted smells, often smell like burning 
• Poor airflow
• Inaccurate temperatures in the home

Common Heat Pump Issues and Solutions

Heat pumps in their average lifespan can run into some common issues. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace a heat pump as soon as you face these problems. If you don’t have much technical expertise, be sure to always reach out to an expert for help.

1. The Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

There are many reasons why your heat pump won’t turn on including thermostat issues, no power source, capacitor issues, closed registers, or a faulty reversing valve.

If you notice your heat pump is not turning on, try looking into these:

• Check if the thermostat is wired correctly
• Reset the circuit breaker of the power source
• Replace starter capacitor
• Ensure louvers on the registers are open
• Check for faulty reversing valve

2. Heat Pump is Constantly Running

When you have very high or low settings for temperature, your heat pump will work overtime to achieve that goal and never turn off. Dirty air filters and AC coils, leaking refrigerants, or faulty compressors may also contribute to the problem.

To avoid this problem,

• Maintain the ideal heat pump temperature settings
• Clean dirt in air filters and coils
• Replace the compressor if it’s broken

3. Heat Pump isn’t Cooling

The heat pump may stop cooling because of the thermostat, broken reverse valve, or low refrigerant. Check for those issues and clean the coils and the fan if your heat pump gets dirty to prevent in from heating unnecessarily.

4. Heat Pump Won’t Heat

The troubleshooting should start from the obvious – the thermostat. Check if it is set to cold or hot. If the settings are in proper place, check out these possible causes:

• Check if the fan is on continuously
• Check for blockage in the vent outside
• Clean or replace the air filter
• Address leaking refrigerant and air ducts

If you are noticing any of these issues, please seek professional technicians to look at your system. Doing a DIY repair may cause more damage to the system than good. So, it is always best to get a professional to determine and fix any heat pump issues.
The Chill Brothers are skilled, professional, and licensed in a range of HVAC solutions. Serving areas like Austin, The Chill Brothers are just a call away for all your HVAC needs.

Is Repairing or Replacing More Cost-Effective for Heat Pumps?

When a heat pump starts showing signs of wear and inefficiency, deciding when to repair or replace becomes challenging. Here are some of the factors you should consider:

• Age of the Heat Pump: The efficiency of heat pumps tends to decline as they age. So, older systems may require more repairs and it would be more efficient to replace them. A general rule of thumb is as the heat pump is nearing its expected lifespan (within 1-3 years) it might be a good time to replace it.

• Frequency of Repair: If your heat pump requires two or more service visits in a year, it is an indication that the pump is nearing the end of its lifespan.

• Energy Savings Considerations: Sometimes replacing an older heat pump with a newer model can reduce energy bills a significant amount. Over time, these savings can make up for the purchase of a new heat pump.

The repair and maintenance should always be performed by a professional. Be sure to follow up with them on how frequently you need future repairs and when should you better replace your system.

Extending the Lifespan of a Heat Pump

When it comes to extending the lifespan of heat pumps, regular HVAC maintenance is a no-brainer. It is recommended to get a tune-up twice a year to ensure all components of the system are running properly. 

It is also best to regularly change the air filters. When an air filter gets clogged, it can do extensive damage to the system as a whole and even the heat pump. It is ideal to change your air filters at least once a month, depending on the type of filter. 

The Chill Brothers offer their Chill Preventative Maintenance Plan where for only $19.95 a month, you receive bi-annual tune-ups, priority service, and more! Give them a call today or visit their website for more information. 

In conclusion, the life expectancy of a heat pump is around 15 years. Regularly maintain and clean your system to get the most out of it. Taking proactive steps can help you avoid costly repairs. By staying on top of routine maintenance, you can ensure your heat pump can function smoothly for many years to come.