How Long Does a Heat Pump Last?

HVAC systems are made up of many parts including a heat pump. A heat pump is powered by electricity and is responsible for providing heating and cooling to your home. It works by pulling the outdoor air and heating or cooling it to the desired temperature. But, how long do heat pumps last? 

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 it like changing the air filter, checking the refrigerant levels and getting it looked at by a professional. 

Heat Pump Basics

Heat pumps are responsible for cooling and heating the outdoor air, then releasing it into your home. More specifically, after outdoor air is absorbed, it moves through the compressor, which is then moved into a refrigerant cycle, thus taking the heat out of the air and blowing cool air throughout your home. 

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

There are a lot of factors that determine how long heat pumps last, but generally they last about 10-15 years. Factors such as brand, usage and location play a huge role in determining how long they will last. 

• Brand; The brand of the heat pump will also determine how long it will last. Best brands for heat pumps include Lennox, Goodman and American Standard. 

The Chill Brothers are a Premier Lennox Dealer and have won many Lennox awards in the past. They are skilled, professional and licensed for many HVAC solutions. Give them a call for your HVAC needs. They service many areas like HVAC repair Austin. 

• Installation/Maintenance; Proper installation plays a huge role in determining how long the heat pump will last. If done by a professional, it will last the normal length. If not, it could not last as long as it should. It is also important to get regular tune-ups to ensure all components of the system are running properly. 
• Location; Areas where the temperatures get low or extremely high, it will cause your system to work harder to heat and cool your home, thus resulting in the heat pump working overtime. 
• 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 normally. 

Signs of Aging in Heat Pumps 

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

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

Common Heat Pump Issues and Solutions

Heat pumps are a crucial part in keeping your home comfortable, but there are some common issues when it comes to this part of the system.

• 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 not on, try looking into the items mentioned above. If it’s still not working, you may need to replace it. 
• Heat Pump is Constantly Running: When your heat pump is constantly running, try replacing your air filter, getting your coils cleaned, or checking the refrigerant levels. In most cases where the heat pump is constantly running, it is most likely one of the items mentioned. 
• Heat Pump isn’t Cooling: Notice that your home isn’t cooling properly? Try resetting your thermostat and checking your refrigerant levels. 

If you are noticing any of these issues, please seek professional technicians to look at your system. Rather than doing a DIY repair which may cause more damage to the system, it is best to get a professional to determine and fix any heat pump issues. 

Extending the Lifespan 

Since a heat pump is responsible for cooling and heating your indoor air, you will want to do your best to extend its lifespan. One of the best ways to do this is to get regular HVAC maintenance. It is recommended to get a tune-up twice a year to ensure that all components of the system are running properly. 

It is also best to regularly change the air filters. What most people don’t know is that 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, it is best to know how to extend your heat pump’s lifespan and take necessary precautions to ensure that it is working properly for many years to come.