Some homeowners have replaced their central air conditioning and furnace units with one unit called a heat pump. Proper maintenance of a heat pump can be more economical and energy-efficient in certain climates. How long can a heat pump last?

What Is a Heat Pump?

It is important to understand what your heat pump does to understand how long it will last. A heat pump can replace a central air unit and a furnace in certain climates. It can also cool your home in the summer and keep it warm each winter. The heat pump can perform all of this magic in a very energy-efficient manner.

Like a central air conditioner, a heat pump uses refrigerant to do its job. Refrigerant has a boiling point different from water, which allows a heat pump to remove warm air from your home in the summer. In a moderate climate, a heat pump can gather heat from the outside air in winter and send it into your home’s living spaces. Unlike an air conditioner or a furnace, the heat pump does not create warm or cool air. Refrigerant transfers conditioned air throughout your home.

Because heat pumps only transfer air, they can be incredibly energy efficient. They don’t use electricity to create heated air, which also contributes to their longevity, even though they are used both to heat and cool homes.

Heat Pump Lifespan and Issues That Reduce Lifespan

If a heat pump is used in a suitable climate, gets regular maintenance, and has all the other cards in order, it can last around 15 years. Of course, this is an average figure, so it will not determine the lifespan of your specific heat pump.

Some factors reduce the lifespan of heat pumps:

1. Climate

So far, heat pump technology is such that it cannot fully warm homes in climates with freezing winters, but it can be combined with a furnace as an auxiliary heating source. Furnaces do not have this issue because they directly heat fuels to provide heat in your home. When you place a heat pump in such a severe climate, the device’s longevity can be shortened.

Also, heat pumps near the ocean can have shortened lives. Heat pumps do not last as long when they have to draw in salty air, which causes corrosion. If you want a heat pump that lasts a long time, install it a bit inland in a climate with milder winters.

2. Ductwork

The heat pumps that are used in a majority of American homes require ductwork. The conditioned air is distributed to rooms via ducts. The air that heat pumps distribute to homes is not as warm as the heat from a furnace. Because of this, they require more air volume to hit the desired thermostat setting. They also require ductwork that is fully insulated and does not have air gaps. Otherwise, they will have to work too hard to heat your home in winter. You must keep your ductwork cleaned, insulated, and fully maintained to ensure the longevity of your heat pump.

3. Year Manufactured

Your heat pump will be most durable if it was manufactured in the last five to eight years, as heat pump technology has improved.

4. Size of Unit Compared to Home Size

You need a heat pump installed in your home that is right for your square footage. A heat pump that is too small will be constantly on, trying to heat or cool your home. It will not last as long if it is continuously straining to keep up with thermostat demands.

5. Regular Maintenance and Servicing

Just like your car, any mechanical device runs the best when it is properly and regularly serviced. Your heat pump is no different. You must get your heat pump serviced before each season begins – heating and cooling. This will ensure your heat pump will operate at its best throughout the seasons. Unmaintained heat pumps can strain with failing parts or breaking, clogged, or poorly insulated ducts. These types of situations can affect the system’s longevity. Lack of maintenance can leave you without conditioned air on a day you need it the most. If left untended, a heat pump that is in trouble can also experience more expensive failure. You will also save 10% to 25% on your heat pump’s energy usage if it is maintained.

Heat pump maintenance saves you money in many ways: through system longevity, lower repair costs, and lower monthly energy bills. Regular maintenance keeps money in your pocket.

Heat Pump Maintenance Call Procedures

When we come out to perform heat pump maintenance, we will look at all parts of the system, get everything working optimally, and determine if any parts need to be replaced. During the heat pump maintenance call, we will do the following:

  • Test and set airflow
  • Measure refrigerant and check for leaks
  • Thoroughly inspect blower, filter, ductwork, and coil
  • Repair leaky ductwork, including insulation
  • Check fan belts
  • Oil motors
  • Check thermostat
  • Inspect and tighten electrical connections
  • Check thermostat
  • Test system sequence, correcting errors

We also suggest our clients call us for a full ductwork cleaning every three to five years. Heat pumps require more airflow in winter than a furnace, so we suggest you err on the side of more frequent duct cleaning. This keeps your heat pump system flowing at its peak and your indoor air quality cleaner.

Signs a Heat Pump Needs Repair or Replacement

You may be reading this article because your heat pump shows symptoms of a problem. Call us if you see any of the following signs of straining or failure:

  • No or low air production
  • No conditioned air output
  • No power
  • System runs too much or goes on and off too much
  • Strange sounds
  • Unusual odors

Call us if you are experiencing any trouble with your heat pump. If you allow the system to run with any of the above problems, its longevity can be compromised. None of the above necessarily means you will need to replace the unit, but it does mean that something needs to change in order to get the system running optimally again.

Your Local Heat Pump Provider for Maintenance, Repair and Installation

We are your local heat pump contractor at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing in Chandler, AZ. We maintain, repair, and install heat pump systems in our local community. We also are a full-service heating and air conditioning contractor. We install, maintain, and repair central air conditioning units, furnaces, and mini-split systems. We don’t stop there. You can also call on us as your local, full-service plumbing contractor. Call us when you need leak detection services, a new water heater, or rooter services, among other plumbing issues. We provide 24/7 emergency repair services and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you need installation services, we provide financing on approved credit. We have a BBB A+ rating in addition to a Google 5-star rating. We have received praise from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Yelp.

Contact us today at Emergency Air Heating Cooling & Plumbing in Chandler for all your heat pump maintenance, repair, and installation needs.

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