Your heat pump takes care of your home’s heating and cooling needs, but it also needs you to take care of it. Heat pumps require regular maintenance and should be replaced as they wear out. The following tips will help you recognize when you need to replace your heat pump and what to consider when the time comes.
The Lifecycle of a Heat Pump
The average heat pump will last between 10 and 15 years, though some may last longer. Key signs that your pump needs replacing include:
- It needs to be repaired on a regular basis (more than once a year).
- There is an inexplicable increase in heating & cooling bills.
- Some rooms are less comfortable than others, which can signal a struggling pump.
- Increased noisiness, as it may be a symptom of future trouble.
On the other hand, a new heat pump will almost certainly be more efficient, leading to significant savings and increased performance over units older than 10 years.
Calculating Costs
Although the costs of replacing your heat pump will vary greatly depending on size and efficiency, the installation costs will generally be the greatest. This is because of the complex wiring and labor that go into the installation process. Not only will multiple crew members be necessary, but a licensed electrician may also be needed.
Choosing a New One
The first step is to make a service appointment to assess the pump’s remaining life. If the technician recommends replacement then set up an appointment with an estimator to look at the installation variables and discuss with you your different options. Variables such as capacity and efficiency make a difference in how your system will perform for you. The system match-up between the inside unit and the outside unit not only effects the SEER rating of the equipment but it also effects the moisture removal ability. In our humid climate it is better to reduce the SEER some and increase the moisture removal of the system. This will make you more comfortable and save you energy in the long run. And remember the most important day in the life of your air conditioner is the day it is installed. A quality installation will make all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort and energy efficiency.
We at Mathews CCAC Air Conditioning & Heating specialize in maintaining the comfort of Coastal Bend homes, and we look forward to serving your home’s needs. For more expert advice on recognizing when to replace your heat pump, as well as the best systems for the humid climate of South Texas, contact us today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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