Life Expectancy of a Heat Pump: What You Need To Know

Heat pumps offer a great alternative to many HVAC systems but don’t last forever. What is the life expectancy of a heat pump? This guide uncovers how heat pumps work and when it may be time for a replacement. 

The experts at Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning provide various heat pump services so you can keep yours running efficiently. Call (732) 800-9416 to speak with a technician if your heat pump begins acting up or you suspect you need a replacement. 

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a hybrid mechanism that cools and heats your home, providing comfort throughout the year no matter what climate you live in. 

Heat pumps do not run on coal or natural gas, making them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint. Global sales of heat pumps are on the rise thanks to their eco-friendly design. Their energy efficiency also results in lower utility bills for homeowners. 

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Dual-system heat pumps operate much like conventional air conditioners to cool your home. They feature a refrigerant that absorbs heat as soon as it flows into the unit’s evaporator coil. From there, the heat moves to an outdoor condenser unit and dissipates into the air. 

During colder months, heat pumps work much differently than traditional heating systems. Their refrigeration cycle flips, so instead of transferring heat outside, the heat pump absorbs any warm air it can and brings it into your home. An air-source heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air, while ground-source heat pumps collect geothermal heat. 

Benefits of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps provide a cleaner solution to heating and cooling. They don’t rely on fossil fuels, and their hybrid design is ideal for homeowners seeking a single HVAC system. Heat pumps are far more efficient than traditional furnaces and air conditioners.

People living in temperate climates where the temperature doesn’t drop below freezing can rely on a heat pump as their sole heating and cooling system. If you experience several bitter cold stretches, experts advise installing a gas furnace as a backup heating solution. However, heat pumps provide homeowners with financial relief on utility bills, even when running alongside a gas furnace as a supplemental heat source.

Heat pumps also emit less noise than traditional HVAC systems. A heat pump is a perfect solution if you’re looking to keep your home comfortable and quiet. 

Signs You Need Heat Pump Replacement

The life expectancy of heat pumps is around 10 to 15 years. Thankfully, it can be easy to tell when you should replace yours. The following are common indicators that it is time to replace your heat pump:

• The unit emits strange noises
• Your energy bills suddenly increase
• You notice the air quality in your home isn’t what it used to be
• Your indoor temperatures fluctuate more than they should

Pay attention to how many years your heat pump has been in operation. As your system reaches the end of its average lifespan, it will likely experience performance issues. Call an HVAC specialist if your heat pump suddenly makes unusual noises, there’s a drop in your indoor air quality, you see an unexplained spike in your energy bill, or you experience uneven temperatures in your house. 

How To Extend the Life Expectancy of Heat Pumps

Regular maintenance is key to getting the most out of your heat pump system. Proper care of your unit can help you get a full 15 years of dual heating and cooling with no issues.

Experts suggest scheduling professional inspections twice per year, ideally before the start of each heating and cooling season. This allows time to pinpoint any possible issues with your heat pump and address them before the outdoor temperatures drastically swing. 

Compared to heating systems that use combustion, heat pumps require less maintenance. However, ignoring maintenance checks shortens the life expectancy of heat pumps and leads to major repairs down the road. 

Learn More About Heat Pumps 

Are you still curious about how a heat pump works or considering installing one in your home? The Eastern Shore Heating and Air Conditioning experts are here to help.

Are you near the end of the life expectancy of your heat pump? Our qualified team can equip your home with a new unit. Get a free estimate for heat pump repair or replacement by filling out an online request form or by calling (732) 800-9416.

source https://easternshorehvac.com/blog/life-expectancy-heat-pump/

6 Reasons Why DIY HVAC Repair Is Not Advisable

Many homeowners try to complete home improvements on their own, either to save money on labor costs or gain a sense of accomplishment and independence.

Unlike some common projects, the risks of fixing your heating and cooling system on your own almost always outweigh the expense of professional HVAC repair. Unless you are an experienced cooling and heating technician with access to professional-grade materials and equipment, your DIY HVAC repair efforts could be expensive in the long run. 

Do-It-Yourself HVAC Repairs

Trying to fix your AC unit or furnace yourself does not relieve you of most of the costs of professional repair services; you still have to pay for materials and sacrifice your time and energy.

Reason #1: The Risk of Injury

Homeowners risk electrocution, burns, lacerations, and other injuries when they attempt DIY HVAC repair. Accidents can happen because they lack professional safety equipment or because they do not have the experience to recognize potentially dangerous situations. An improperly repaired HVAC system could cause injuries or death months or years after the repair. 

Reason #2: Misdiagnosis of the Problem

An HVAC system is a combination of a heating system, an air conditioner, and extensive ductwork. With any interconnected system, a failure at one point could lead to problems elsewhere. For example, a loss of refrigerant could cause the air conditioning coils to overheat, and a faulty temperature sensor could prevent your air conditioner from turning on when you need it. 

If you reach an incorrect conclusion about the cause of a heating or cooling problem, you could replace the wrong part and lull yourself into a false sense of security. Professional HVAC technicians have advanced diagnostic equipment that allows them to identify the problem.

Reason #3: Liability for Costs

If you attempt to fix your HVAC system yourself, your DIY HVAC repair might void the manufacturer’s warranty, resulting in you being responsible for replacement costs if a part you fixed or replaced stops working. Your homeowner’s insurance might not cover damages from leaks or fires if they are the result of an amateur HVAC repair. If an occupant of your home or business suffers an injury or health problem because of your HVAC repair, they could hold you responsible.

Reason #4: Frustration and Wasted Time

Some homeowners embark upon DIY HVAC repair projects after reading instructional websites and watching tutorials, only to find that their repair did not turn out as they envisioned. When a repair project goes awry, you can spend months and thousands of dollars trying to get things back to the way they were when you started.

Reason #5: Consequences of Code Violations

Homeowners who carry out DIY repairs often are unaware of the building codes and permit requirements for installing new HVAC equipment, including electrical and plumbing requirements. They discover that they have to redo or remove their work when they plan to sell their home years later. 

Reason #6: Worrying Whether Your Repairs Will Last

Have you ever finished a repair project or assembled furniture and had pieces that did not quite fit or leftover pieces at the end? HVAC systems are complex, and without extensive training, it is easy to leave a loose connection or omit a critical step.

Even if you follow the steps perfectly, the parts you used might not be the right ones for your home, or some unusual characteristic of your home might cause your repair to have unintended consequences.

Every time your furnace or air conditioner turns on, or you hear a strange noise, you might wonder, “Did I do the job right?”

What You Get with Professional HVAC Repair

When you hire a reputable HVAC technician to fix or maintain your HVAC system, you can have faith that the repair complies with code and industry best practices. Your HVAC company should provide a warranty for their work and the parts they used for the repairs. A professional company will provide documentation for the repairs in case you need them to support a homeowner’s insurance claim or defend yourself against personal injury litigation.

Schedule Repairs for Your HVAC System with Eastern Shore HVAC Today

Before contemplating DIY HVAC repair, consider the potential downside and speak with an Eastern Shore HVAC technician about professional repair options.

Eastern Shore HVAC has over four decades of experience with a wide range of heating and cooling services. Instead of tackling common furnace repairs yourself in eastern New Jersey, call Eastern Shore HVAC at 732-800-9416. Schedule an on-site inspection and get an estimate for fast, high-quality HVAC repairs. 

source https://easternshorehvac.com/blog/diy-hvac-repair/