There are many reasons to consider installing a heat pump in your home. Heat pumps are a more environmentally-friendly alternative to using a traditional gas heater. However, one of the main concerns is how long a heat pump will last. Do they need more servicing than a traditional heating system? Will it need to be replaced more frequently?
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps are designed to transfer heat rather than generate it. They use refrigerant condensation to move heat from one area to another. This is done by running a refrigerant through a compressor and compressing the refrigerant into a low-pressure liquid state. The liquid is then run through a condenser, which is the part of the heat pump.
The condenser removes the heat from the refrigerant, by running through an expansion valve. The expansion valve allows the refrigerant to expand into a gas, thus decreasing its temperature.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Heat Pump?
A lot of different factors come into how long your heat pump will last:
- The type of heat pump you own
- Where the heat pump is placed
- Where you live
- How well the heat pump has been maintained
Still, the lifespan of a heat pump can range from 15 to 25 years, depending on the make and model, the age of the home, and the climate in which it is installed. For example, if you choose a heat pump designed to work in extremely cold climates, this may over work the system. You may want to consider another model designed for milder temperatures and combine it with another source of heat to offset the extremes.
What Are Some Issues That May Cause Heat Pump Failure?
Heat pumps are carefully designed to last a long time, but issues such as these can cause them to malfunction sooner than expected:
- Heat pump condensers aren’t cooled properly
- The heat pump’s fan is blocked
- There is a leak in the heat pump’s refrigerant
- The heat pump isn’t receiving enough power
- The heat pump is sized too small
How Are Heat Pumps Maintained?
It is important to keep your heat pump operating at peak performance to keep up with routine maintenance. Some of the most important tasks to perform are:
- Periodically check the filter, and clean it if necessary
- Keep the pressure regulator in good condition
- Keep the heat pump’s condenser clean
- Clean the air ducts and the air registers
- Regularly check the heat pump’s refrigerant connections
- Perform a full inspection at least once a year
- Keep all electrical connections clean and free from rust
Conclusion
Heat pumps can be a great choice when looking for a more environmentally-friendly heating solution. However, they may be more costly to operate and can require more maintenance than a traditional gas heater. With that said, most heat pumps will last from 15 to 25 years, and there is nothing more reassuring than knowing that your home is staying warm and comfortable for years to come.
At 4 Seasons Home Comfort, we are proud to offer our customers the largest full burning showroom in Southern Alberta with over 30 different fireplaces and stoves complete with mantels and rock/tile hearths to see. Our employees specialize not only in installing but also servicing heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, of any make and model. If you need maintenance services, we’ve got you covered. Call us at (403) 320-9884 for 24-hour emergency service!
