Heat pumps are designed to keep you warm and cozy when it is chilling outside. However, with the arrival of the summer season, you might want to consider replacing it especially if it is nearing or has crossed the 15-year mark. The average lifespan of a heat pump is 15 years. Therefore, we are going to share some signs that will help you decide when to consider heating service repair and when to replace your existing heat pump.
Your Heat Pump Runs Constantly
Heat pumps just like air conditioners are designed to run in cycles. They will turn on and turn off depending on the temperature achieved. Once they have achieved the required temperature, they will automatically stop blowing hot air. This helps save electricity.
However, if you notice that your heat pump is running constantly or short cycling, it means that it is not operating in the normal way. It might be that the thermostat is faulty or needs calibration. Majority of times, it is a faulty thermostat that does not inform the unit to turn off once the temperature is achieved. The unit in turn keeps working to achieve the desired temperature, which only puts it under stress.
Your Home Doesn’t Feel Comfortable
The next factor that should make you consider purchasing a new replacement is that your home does not feel comfortable. If you notice that your house does not get too warm or cool during the winter and summer season respectively, it means that the HVAC unit is not working effectively.
There could be several reasons contributing to this issue. If you own a heat pump that is 10 or 15 years older, do not be surprised if it is not that efficient and effective anymore. With time, it was supposed to break down. In addition to that, older heat pumps are not that energy efficient either.
Therefore, you should consider buying a new unit that will not only help you save energy costs but also prevent regular expensive repairs on the existing unit.
Your Heat Pump Regularly Breaks Down
As mentioned earlier, heat pumps last on average somewhere around 15 years. After that, you will be looking at constant repairs and fixes. If that is also the case with you, then it is a sure sign of you needing a replacement. The reason is that every heat pump comes with a lifespan attached to it. This is also the case with vehicles. Once the unit nears or crosses its intended lifespan, components become weak and start to break down more often.
As a result, you end up splashing money on the repairs and fixes more often. If you notice that the total amount spent on the repairs and fixes has crossed the actual value of the existing unit, you should immediately buy a new replacement.
Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
Even though most homeowners tend to ignore this fact, but if you notice your energy bills increasing without any reason at all, it might be that your heat pump needs replacement. As mentioned previously, when a heat pump becomes old, its components turn weak as well. So, now you have a unit that does not perform as efficiently and effectively as it used to be.
Therefore, the weak components put immense stress on the overall unit, which leads to an increase in the energy bills. Newer heat pumps, on the other hand, are much more energy efficient. They are loaded with features that ensure the production of cool and hot air takes place with minimum energy consumption as possible.
Heat Pump Makes Strange Noises
Heat pumps do make some noise as the cycles start and end but they should not be making any when they are running normally. If you find out that your heat pump is making grinding, squeaking, or banging noises, it means that the unit needs immediate attention. In this case, you could be looking at several problems and will need to consult a professional.
Final Word
Concluding, the best time to replace your heat pump will be in the summer. A replacement in the winters could be very unforgiving. However, if you heat pump is a just a few years old, you should hire a heat pump repair service huntington to fix the unit.