How Long Do Heat Pumps Last
Heat pumps are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly systems that offer heating and cooling and an average life expectancy of more than 25 – 35 years. However, when the heat pump runs, its lifespan can be greatly reduced without proper maintenance. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to extend your system’s life span. Here are some tips to help you do so.
Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance helps you protect your heat pump and air conditioners and ensure they stay functional throughout the year. It extends its lifespan, improves indoor air quality, optimizes system energy efficiency, and cuts rising energy bills.
Professional technicians are trained to work with electrical components, refrigerants, and other specialized equipment. They’re also equipped with the right tools to perform many maintenance tasks safely, minimizing the risk of injury or property damage.
They can clean indoor and outdoor coils to eliminate dirt, debris, and odor buildup, reducing energy efficiency. They can check and seal ductwork leaks to prevent wasted energy as heated or cooled air escapes. They can inspect and calibrate the thermostat to ensure the heat pump works smoothly even if the temperature regularly drops. They can even offer recommendations for upgrades that can improve system performance and longevity.
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Clean & Replace Air Filters Frequently
Your heat pump system needs clean air to function properly. Keeping it clean helps reduce the risk of clogs and other issues that shorten its lifespan.
Air filters trap unwanted debris and particulates that would otherwise float in the air. These include dust, dirt, pet fur, germs, and other contaminants affecting your family’s health.
Dirty and clogged filters force the system to work harder than normal, shortening its lifespan. Depending on your home’s usage, change your filter every month or more often.
Regular maintenance allows other HVAC system technicians to identify and address minor problems before they become bigger. Scheduled maintenance typically includes cleaning or replacing the air filter, checking thermostat settings, looking for duct leaks, and more.
Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear of Debris
The outdoor unit of a heat pump houses the system’s workhorse, a coil that draws heat from the outdoors for use indoors. The coil is particularly vulnerable to clogging from leaves and other organic debris. When a heat pump is forced to operate with a clogged coil, it wastes energy and ages faster than necessary.
The best way to protect the outdoor unit is to keep it clear of debris. This prevents airflow restrictions from interfering with normal operations.
Make sure nothing blocks the air intake, especially in cold weather. Regular checks should then be made to remove any dirt and other debris that builds up. Doing this prevents blockages that force your system to overwork and can also hurt your indoor air quality. Avoid having too many big plants nearby, as they can also interfere with the airflow.
Maintain Proper Thermostat Settings
Heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient when they run in their normal heating mode. However, a large percentage of homeowners don’t set their thermostats correctly. For example, a common mistake is setting the temperature too low during the day when everyone is awake or asleep. This forces your heat pump to work hard to compensate, shortening the heat pump’s life expectancy.
Instead, try to stick with a consistent operating temperature when your home is occupied and family members are awake. It’s a good idea to use a programmable thermostat designed for heat pumps. The thermostat settings should be set to “HEAT” during winter and “COOL” during summer.
This helps avoid the thermostat toggling between cooling and heating unnecessarily. In addition, the fan can be set to the auto-fan setting to maximize efficiency by directing airflow up (cool air sinks) or down (warm air rises). The more air your air source heat pump circulates, the less it will have to work.
Check & Seal Ductwork Leaks
Duct leaks are a major problem that can compromise indoor air quality and increase energy bills. They also put a heavier load on your heat pump, requiring it to work harder to compensate for the conditioned air lost through the leaks.
Foil tape is the most reliable solution for sealing duct seams and holes. It provides a stronger seal and is more heat-resistant than regular duct tape. However, it can’t be used on metal ducts because it corrodes over time.
For more substantial leaks, an HVAC technician will use an aerosol sealant that fills joints and bonds different materials to prevent air loss. An experienced professional does their best to avoid further damage to your ducts and ensure a proper repair.
Monitor & Address Unusual Noises
Heat pumps can do double duty, providing both heating and cooling for homes. However, they are not designed to handle the same load as a furnace or air conditioner.
Heat pump systems supply a larger volume of air at lower temperatures than furnaces, so it is important to examine the capacity of the existing ducting system and make necessary upgrades when installing new heat pumps or retrofitting existing ones. Insufficient ducting can lead to noise issues and higher fan energy use.
Unlike traditional fossil fuel technologies, heat pumps generate no direct greenhouse gas emissions and are powered by low-emissions electricity. Accelerating their uptake is a key strategy to meet the global targets. This report highlights the opportunities to do just that, as well as barriers and potential policy solutions.
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Optimize System Efficiency with Upgrades
Using a new heat pump is an eco-friendly way to save energy and enjoy comfortable year-round climate control. It’s important to keep your system working as efficiently as possible for the longest average lifespan of a heat pump.
Heat pumps are also three to five times more energy efficient than traditional heating systems, helping to cut utility costs and lower energy use. These upgrades are a smart choice for homeowners with high utility bills and a desire to improve their energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Heat pump lasts more than 25 years and is an efficient and sustainable solution for heating and cooling your home. With proper care, the life expectancy of a heat pump can go to more than 35 years. By following these tips, you can ensure that your heat pump remains reliable and efficient, and you will not need to replace or repair your heat pump for a long time.
Get Heating System Services At Green Street HVAC
Experience top-notch HVAC services with Green Street HVAC. Our expert team specializes in AC installation, repair, and preventative maintenance, ensuring your system runs efficiently year-round. We also offer heat pump services, keeping your home comfortable in any season. Join our Comfort Club for exclusive benefits and priority service. Trust Green Street HVAC Company for all your heating and cooling needs. Contact us today.
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