Heat pumps have been around for decades and for all the right reasons. Not only are they commonly found in homes today but also utilized by commercial businesses. When it comes to choosing a heat source, homeowners often struggle to pick between conventional HVAC systems and heat pumps. So, let’s talk about how a heat pump works, how often you need heat pump repair, and how long it is supposed to last.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
To understand how long a typical heat pump lasts, you will first need to become familiar with the way it works. In simple words, heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle for heating or cooling homes as required. During the summer season, heat pumps perform just like the HVAC systems, providing cool air by removing heat from homes.
The process involves heat passing over the evaporator coil that is absorbed by the refrigerant and then transferred to the condenser unit, which is located outside and released. This process/cycle continues until the heat pump reaches the desired temperature.
However, it is the process of heating where heat pumps and other heat sources like gas furnaces differ. Unlike a gas furnace that utilizes gas as a source to generate heat, a heat pump reverses the refrigeration cycle, absorbing the heat from the outside air.
You might be wondering how it is possible to absorb heat when the temperature outside is cold but the fact is that no matter how cold it is out there, there is still sufficient heat energy to heat the homes properly.
That said, you should keep in mind that there is a limit to the effectiveness of heat pumps as well. When the temperatures drop below freezing, heat pumps are not able to heat the homes properly. As a result, homeowners often resort to using gas furnaces or electric heating sources as a backup.
How Long Does A Heat Pump Last?
The lifespan of a heat pump depends on its usage frequency. Since most heat pumps are used throughout the year, they are not willing to last as long as gas furnaces. Therefore, the average lifespan of heat pumps is 10 to 15 years, if properly maintained.
Heat pumps like other heating sources such as gas or oil furnaces need proper maintenance. In fact, they come with a user manual that mentions thorough maintenance tips and a schedule to keep it running in perfect condition.
Furthermore, the maintenance of a heat pump is always performed by a technician. During the maintenance, the expert not only cleans the interior of the unit but also inspects it for any wear and tear or damage, etc. This allows the expert to make repairs and replacements before the unit can break down.
What Are The Signs To Replace Your Heat Pump?
Rising Energy Bills
If you already own a heat pump that is 10 to 15 years old, you can expect it to show some problems. One of the most common signs to replace your heat pump is rising energy bills. If you notice that your monthly energy bills are suddenly skyrocketing, it means the heat pump is not working as effectively as it used to be.
At this stage, you cannot do much about the issue as your heat pump has simply worked its entire lifespan. Therefore, it is normal for the components to turn weak and you will be needing a replacement.
Frequent Repairs
Frequent repairs are another sign telling you that your heat pump needs to go. As time passes by, your heat pump will begin breaking down more often. If there comes a point where the costs to repair and replace the components of a heat pump overtake the actual cost of the heat pump, you should opt for a replacement. There is simply no point in spending money on frequent repairs if your unit is too old. Instead, you should save money and consider replacing the existing unit.
Final Word
Heat pumps are slowly gaining popularity around the world. If you intend to purchase one, keep in mind that you will need to offer proper maintenance for it to perform as long as possible with maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Heat pump repair services Long Beach offer maintenance services that you can utilize to extend the lifespan of your heat pump.
