How To Know If You Need A New Heat Pump In Your Main Line Home
If your Main Line home uses a heat pump, you’ve no doubt been enjoying years of excellent comfort and energy bills that are lower than your neighbors’. But what happens when your heat pump isn’t working as well as it used to? How do you know when it’s time to replace it?
You could let it run until the system breaks down for good. That’s one way of knowing you got as much life out of it as possible.
But, you may not get the best return on your investment that way.
The problem is that you end up paying more on your utility bills and for repairs as a heat pump — or any HVAC appliance — nears the end of its service life. Then, it’s cost-effective to replace a working system.
You’ll get better efficiency and fewer breakdowns. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that your old system won’t suddenly fail on the hottest or coldest day of the year.
Finding that sweet spot is a little tricky. But we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll go over:
- How Long Does A Heat Pump Usually Last?
- Four Signs You Need A New Heat Pump
- How To Make Your Heat Pump Last As Long As Possible
- Heat Pump Replacement In Radnor, PA, And The Main Line
Of course, we can’t give you a recommendation for your home in an article. But, we can point you in the right direction. If you’re concerned about the age and performance of the heat pump in Radnor, PA home, call John Cipollone, Inc. today for a free consultation.
How Long Does A Heat Pump Usually Last?
Heat pumps last an average of 15 years. With the proper care and maintenance, yours can keep working for up to twenty — maybe even a few more. But, they can also break down after a decade without regular service.
Again, however, you need to consider how well your system is working. And the benefits of a newer model.
Read More: Ductless Mini Split Vs. Gas Furnace: What Does One Cost?
Technology is improving all the time, especially in the HVAC world. As a result, today’s heat pumps perform better and use even less electricity than before. So, even if you got a model that’s similar to your old one, it’s going to work much better — especially if you’ve had your current system for 15 years or longer.
And, if you notice any of the following problems, it’s time to start considering a new one:
Four Signs You Need A New Heat Pump
Is your heat pump on the way out? Here are four signs it’s time to start considering a replacement:
- More Frequent Repairs
- Rising Energy Bills
- Hot And Cold Spots In The House
- Humidity Problems
Let’s look at these in detail.
More Frequent Repairs
A telltale sign that a heat pump is on the way out is when you find yourself calling more often for repairs. It’s true of most HVAC systems. But, you’ll notice it more often with a heat pump because they handle both heating and cooling. So, you’re using it all year.
The more often you need it fixed, the more likely it is that you’ll lose cooling or heat for good. And, it’ll probably happen on the day you need it the most.
Your system works the longest and hardest when battling brutally cold temperatures or sweltering heat. That extra stress can be the final nail in the coffin for a system on the brink of breakdown.
Rising Energy Bills
Even if your system is still doing the job, it may be using more electricity to do so. The way you’ll know is if your electric bill keeps rising even though you’re not using more power. When this happens, it’s one of your appliances — and an old HVAC system is a common culprit.
Hot And Cold Spots In The House
A sign that your heat pump is starting to fail is when you start noticing hot and cold spots in your home. Since these systems provide excellent comfort, this is especially noticeable — and incredibly frustrating.
You’ll often notice this along with other problems, especially the rising energy bills. These are signs your system is struggling to keep up with the demand it used to handle.
Read More: Do Mini Splits Run All The Time?
Humidity Problems
Similar to hot and cold spots, higher humidity in the summertime means your heat pump can’t handle the cooling load anymore. Dehumidification is a crucial part of the air conditioning process. When your system can’t do it, there’s a problem.
If you’ve had it serviced or repaired and this keeps happening, it’s time to start looking for an upgrade.
How To Make Your Heat Pump Last As Long As Possible
We mentioned maintenance and service earlier. Now, it’s time to talk about the best strategies to make your heat pump lasts as long as possible: Annual tune-ups and deep cleanings.
You should get your heat pump serviced twice a year: Once before the winter and again in the spring. That way, the system is optimized for the heavy work ahead.
A tune-up takes about an hour and doesn’t cost all that much. It’s certainly very little compared to what you’ll pay in higher energy bills or repairs later on.
Read More: The Importance Of Having A Pre-Season Heater Tune-Up
And, if you have a mini split setup, consider a deep cleaning once a year or so. You’d be surprised (and a little grossed-out) by what can build up inside the air handlers.
Not only does that stuff affect your indoor air quality. It also hurts your system’s performance.
Read More: Why Does My Mini Split Smell? [Three Common Causes]
Heat Pump Replacement In Radnor, PA And The Main Line
Are you already in the market for a new heating and cooling system? Or, are you not sure if it’s time to replace the aging heat pump in your Radnor, PA home? Either way, John Cipollone, Inc is here to help!
We’ve served the Main Line for more than 50 years, and today we specialize in high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps and mini splits. Click below or call us at (610) 446-7877 for your free consultation.
