Is It Time for a Heat Pump Replacement?
Is It Time for a Heat Pump Replacement?
Heat pumps offer reliable home comfort at a reasonable cost. Despite operating during both the heating and cooling seasons – taking on the roles of furnaces and air conditioners – they routinely stand up to a decade or more of near-constant use. Still, as with any appliance, they have their lifespans, and eventually it may be time to let your model go. Here are a few signs that it may be time for a heat pump replacement:
- Age. After about 10-15 years, even if you don't notice a decline in performance, it may be time to replace your heat pump. The accumulated wear on the system will make it more prone to malfunction, and given the way that heat pump technology is improving every year, you may find that alternative models on the market deliver significant energy savings, as well as better heating performance at lower temperatures, even if your current heat pump is working at its peak performance.
- Frequent repairs. If you find yourself calling maintenance every few months or every season, you should stop to consider whether or not it's cost-effective (and worth your time) to keep repairing the heat pump. Frequent breakdowns can often point to a deeper problem that can't be permanently fixed.
- Rising energy bills. Your heat pump may continue to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, but if the cost is steadily rising (beyond what energy price fluctuations could account for), it's likely that the pump itself is wearing out. A well-timed heat pump replacement can arrest those climbing prices and decrease your carbon footprint.
- Uneven heating. If some rooms in your house overheat and some rooms never get warm, or if you have similar cooling problems in summer, it could point to a serious issue with your heat pump. (Then again, it could also point to problems with ductwork, air leaks and/or insulation – call an HVAC professional to determine which.)
