How Do I Know It's Time to Replace My Heat Pump?

Your heat pump is an efficient piece of technology that allows you to maintain a comfortable living space both during warm and cool months. It is a versatile way to keep everybody in your family snug despite the outside temperature, since it acts as a heater during cold months and as an air conditioner when it’s warm.

Whether you are new to this technology or have been enjoying your heat pump for years, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss what a heat pump is, and what are the signs telling you it’s about time you replaced your old unit.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your reliable HVAC company in White Bear MN. We are experts at helping homeowners like you find the right system to keep your home a comfortable space to live in.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is useful in climates with moderate heating and cooling needs. It is an energy-efficient alternative to a furnace or an air conditioner. Like a refrigerator, it uses electricity to move heat from a cool space to a warm space. In a nutshell, it makes a cool space cooler and a warm space warmer.

A heat pump is composed of four major parts:

• a condenser
• an expansion valve
• an evaporator
• and a compressor.

The transfer of heat from one place to another is made possible by a refrigerant. This process uses less power compared to operating an air conditioner or a furnace, making heat pumps the most efficient alternative to fuel, oil, and electric HVAC systems. When properly installed, a heat pump can constantly achieve over 300 percent efficiency.

Now, let’s talk about reasons you should consider replacing your heat pump.

Age

Regardless of brand or model, your heat pump will eventually age and lose its efficiency. It is put under a great deal of strain from its years of non-stop operations. Like any other piece of equipment, there will come a time when your heat pump will act up and reflect its age. Typically, it is recommended that heat pumps should be updated after every 10 to 15 years. This is because the system has internal units that are constantly aging and deteriorating. Unfortunately, the older the heat pump is, the harder it is to repair it because of the scarcity of replacement parts. You might think that your system is doing just fine, but its old age should be enough for you to consider replacing it.

Inconsistent Temperatures

An old heat pump has a hard time maintaining a constant comfort level throughout your home. You will notice that it can no longer provide your heating or cooling demands because of a decline in its efficiency.

It is normal for a heat pump’s output to drop in its last useful years. Having said that, this issue creates major discomfort in your home as it struggles to keep all areas at the same temperatures. When you upgrade to a new heat pump, you will have greater comfort and control over your indoor temperature.

Excessive Noises

Since your heat pump is a mechanical system, it’s quite normal that it produces some sounds while it’s running. However, when the sounds become unusually loud, this is usually a sign that the internal parts of your unit are starting to wear down. Loud sounds from your heat pump can be a result of faulty components, such as loose vents, dirty filters, defective motors, and even damaged ducts. If you notice significantly loud noises coming from your heat pump, call a professional for advice and inspection. This might be a sign that you need to replace your unit.

Increased Energy Costs

Many years of wear and tear cause your HVAC system’s performance to decline, which negatively impacts its energy efficiency. Because of old parts, your heat pump is forced to run longer cycles, trying to keep you comfortable. As a result, the unit uses more energy. This issue should be a solid reason for you to think about getting a new heat pump, which will avoid unnecessary bill enlargement.

Call the Heat Pump Pros

To determine whether your existing heat pump is due for a replacement, call Four Seasons Air Specialists, your leading North Oaks heating and air conditioning company.