On average, a heat pump lasts 15 to 20 years. Units that have been cared for with regular maintenance are much more likely to make it two decades or more. But, if your unit is well over ten years old and starting to show signs of wear, you may want to start considering a replacement.
Even if you don’t get a new one right away, it’s a good idea to be prepared. After all, you don’t want to find yourself left out in the cold — or the sweltering heat — because your heating and cooling system suddenly died on the coldest or hottest day of the year.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to know if you need a new heat pump. And some general signs of problems. They don’t all mean it’s time for a replacement. But, knowing some early warning signals helps keep repair costs down.
Finally, we’ll talk about how you can keep yours running for as long as possible.
Read More: Benefits Of A Heat Pump (Vs. Gas Or Electric Heaters)
If you’ve noticed any problems with your heat pump or are thinking about getting one for the first time, give us a call here at Snowflake Air! We’ve earned an excellent reputation here in the Boise Metro area and as far north as McCall regarding heat pump installations and repairs.
How Do I Know If My Heat Pump Needs Replacing?
You should consider a new heat pump if:
- Yours Is Over 15 Years Old
- You’ve Needed More Repairs Than Before
- Your Electricity Bill Keeps Going Up
- Your Home Doesn’t Stay At The Temperature You Want
Yours Is Over 15 Years Old
Since most heat pumps last around 15 years, you should start considering a replacement when yours gets close to two decades of service. The warranty is no longer valid at that point. And, you’re likely to see the declining performance.
You don’t need to get a new one right away. But, it’s good to be ready for the moment when you do.
You’ve Needed More Repairs Than Before
Have you found yourself calling your HVAC contractor more and more often for repairs? If so, it’s time to think about replacing your system — even if they can get yours up and running again every time.
More and more repairs means your system is slowly but surely on the way out. After a while, all that money you’re spending to fix it can be better spent on a new system. That way, you’re not inconvenienced all the time. And, you’ll get better performance from a newer heat pump.
Read More: Why You Should Get An HVAC Tune-Up Before Winter
Your Electricity Bill Keeps Going Up
One of the biggest attractions to heat pumps versus conventional furnaces is that heat pumps use so much less energy than gas or electric furnaces. It’s very noticeable, then, when your electric bill starts creeping in the winter or hottest days of summer.
The problem? Most likely, your heat pump isn’t working as well as it used to. Now, it needs more electricity to do the job.
This is a more pronounced problem with traditional units. But it happens with heat pumps, too. And, if repairs or regular maintenance doesn’t fix the problem, then the only solution is usually a replacement.
Read More: Four Signs Of Heat Pump Problems (And What They Mean)
Your Home Doesn’t Stay At The Temperature You Want
Not all HVAC problems involve your system not working at all. Many times it’s much more subtle — like when you realize that your home never gets as warm or as cool as you like anymore. And, when it happens with an older system, that’s often a sign that the heat pump is starting to falter.
You usually see this happen along with rising electricity bills. That makes the problem even more frustrating: You’re less comfortable and paying more for it.
Benefits Of A New Heat Pump
You’ll notice some significant improvements right away when you replace an older heat pump. Even if you get a comparable model, you’ll enjoy:
-
Better Energy Efficiency
-
Better Heating And Cooling
-
A New Warranty On Parts & Service
Because technology is constantly improving, even the most basic heat pumps on the market today are much better than what was available a decade — or more! — ago.
And, if you’re replacing an old system, it means that one wasn’t working at its best anymore, anyway.
So, a new system won’t just get you back to your baseline comfort and efficiency. It will do even better. And, you’ll have a brand-new warranty on everything. That means much lower repair costs for years to come — if they cost you anything at all.
Read More: Do Heat Pumps Work In Boise Metro And Valley County Homes?
How To Keep Your Heat Pump Working As Long As Possible
So how do you get your heat pump to the 20-year mark? The best way to keep it working as long as possible is to have it serviced every year with a tune-up. It’s like getting an oil change for your car: Basic maintenance that keeps it running well for years to come.
We go into much more detail about tune-ups in our article here. But, the bottom line is that it enhances your system’s performance, keeps its efficiency up, and even ensures your warranty remains valid.
Heat Pump Replacement In Boise, ID
Do you need a new heat pump in your Boise, ID, or Valley County home? If so, call or email us here at Snowflake Air. We specialize in heat pump replacement, installation, and repairs. And, we have five-star reviews to back up our excellent reputation. Click below or call (208) 205-9078 for an appointment.
