The Complete Guide of Heat Pump Life Expectancy
The UK government has set a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of the strategy to achieve this goal, one of the measures is to change the way we heat our homes, transitioning from using fossil fuels like natural gas to renewable energy sources such as ground-source heat pumps and air-source heat pumps.
It is evident that heat pumps are highly efficient methods for heating and cooling your home. These HVAC systems are very energy-efficient and can significantly save on energy consumption. However, like any other HVAC system, they have a limited lifespan and will eventually require replacement. Since installing this type of pump can be expensive, people want to ensure that their investment lasts. In this article, we will explore the expected lifespan of heat pumps and how to extend their longevity.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump provides an efficient solution for heating your home without relying on common fossil fuels like gas boilers and other traditional methods. They usually come in two types: air-source and ground-source. Ground-source heat pumps consist of a series of pipes buried underground, which are connected to the heat pump in your home. These pipes are filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze that absorbs heat from the natural storage of the earth. The liquid is compressed and passes through a heat exchanger, then the generated heat is pumped around your house to heat radiators, underfloor heating, and tap water.
Air-source heat pumps work similarly, but they absorb heat from the air instead of the ground. They can function during the winter, but they lose some efficiency due to the lower amount of heat absorption from the air. Air-source pumps use electricity to operate, but they consume less electricity than the heat they produce, making them an energy-efficient home heating option.
Advantages of heat pump systems
High efficiency: Heat pumps do not rely on common fossil fuels to generate heat. Instead, they use electricity to provide the required temperature. Besides providing efficient heating and cooling for all areas of your home, this also significantly reduces your utility bills.
Effective heating and cooling: When you install a heat pump, you don’t need to worry about having two separate systems for heating and cooling your home. Contrary to the name, heat pumps can also provide effective cooling for your home.
Low noise: While you may notice how loud a furnace or an air conditioner can be, you might not hear any noise from a heat pump. Using a heat pump system, you can enjoy warm or cool air with quiet operation.
How long can a heat pump last?
In general, the average lifespan of a heat pump is between 10 to 15 years. The ultimate lifespan of a heat pump depends on how frequently you use the system and whether you perform regular maintenance.
Maintenance is crucial for keeping the system running smoothly for as long as possible. During maintenance, your HVAC technician will inspect your system and identify any minor issues. Then, any problems will be addressed and corrected to ensure they don’t become more serious and costly.
If you want your heat pump to last as long as possible, be sure to have it maintained twice a year: at the beginning of the heating season and at the beginning of the cooling season.
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Advantages of heat pump systems
High efficiency: Heat pumps do not rely on common fossil fuels to generate heat. Instead, they use electricity to provide the required temperature. Besides providing efficient heating and cooling for all areas of your home, this also significantly reduces your utility bills.
Effective heating and cooling: When you install a heat pump, you don’t need to worry about having two separate systems for heating and cooling your home. Contrary to the name, heat pumps can also provide effective cooling for your home.
Low noise: While you may notice how loud a furnace or an air conditioner can be, you might not hear any noise from a heat pump. Using a heat pump system, you can enjoy warm or cool air with quiet operation.
How long can a heat pump last?
In general, the average lifespan of a heat pump is between 10 to 15 years. The ultimate lifespan of a heat pump depends on how frequently you use the system and whether you perform regular maintenance.
Maintenance is crucial for keeping the system running smoothly for as long as possible. During maintenance, your HVAC technician will inspect your system and identify any minor issues. Then, any problems will be addressed and corrected to ensure they don’t become more serious and costly.
If you want your heat pump to last as long as possible, be sure to have it maintained twice a year: at the beginning of the heating season and at the beginning of the cooling season.
Why do heat pumps last so long?
The impressive lifespan of heat pumps depends on their design. Compared to traditional heating methods like gas, oil, or electric boilers, heat pumps are relatively simple as they have fewer moving parts. This simplicity makes them less prone to issues. In contrast, traditional types of boilers often work for 12-15 years before parts need replacement, and if manufacturers stop producing those parts, repairs can quickly become expensive and inconvenient.
The part of the heat pump most prone to damage is the compressor, which is responsible for raising the temperature of the absorbed liquid in the system. This component is almost constantly in motion, making it more susceptible to wear and inevitable failures at some point. When this happens, you must decide whether to replace the entire heat pump or just the compressor. If the heat pump is approaching or surpassing 20 years of use, replacing the whole system might be more cost-effective. Additionally, the efficiency of heat pumps is likely to have improved within twenty years, meaning a new system will pay for itself more quickly.
When choosing a new heat pump, be sure to inquire about the warranty for its model. Depending on the manufacturer, the time to replace faulty parts is around five years, and the labor required for installing any replacement parts is around a year.
Signs that it’s time to replace your heat pump
Declining indoor air quality: Besides providing reliable heating and cooling for your home, your heat pump is also responsible for delivering high-quality indoor air. If you notice an increase in humidity, dust, or allergy symptoms, it may indicate that your heat pump needs replacement with a newer and more efficient model.
System failures: All heat pumps will eventually experience some failures. If your heat pump has reached this point, and replacement makes more sense, contact professionals to determine the most suitable heat pump model for your home’s specific needs.
Rising energy costs: As heat pumps age and their efficiency decreases, they have to run for longer to reach your set temperature. The longer the heat pump runs, the higher the energy costs. Replacing the system with a more energy-efficient model is a good way to help lower your household’s energy expenses.
How to extend the lifespan of your heat pump
One of the best ways to ensure that your heat pump has a longer lifespan is to provide it with proper maintenance. Professional heat pump installers should inspect your heat pump every three years, but you can perform most of the maintenance yourself. Some actions you can take include:
Monthly air filter checks: If your heat pump system uses air filters, make sure to check them regularly. Blocked filters can reduce the system’s efficiency. Clean or replace the filters as needed.
Check the outdoor unit: Ensure that the outdoor unit is free of snow, ice, leaves, dirt, and other debris. This includes the top, sides, and bottom of the heat pump.
Keep outdoor coils clean: The outdoor coils can become dirty during operation, so use a powerful degreaser to clean them and then rinse. Make sure to turn off the unit before cleaning.
Trim vegetation around the equipment: Clear all vegetation at least 18 inches from all sides to allow for proper airflow and leave space for maintenance.
Check fan blades: Turn off the equipment and check the fan blades for dirt and debris. Clean them if necessary.
Check refrigerant levels and pressures: Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the heat pump and needs regular checks, similar to checking the oil in a car. Checking if the levels are correct will let you know if there are any leaks or other issues in the system.
Both ground-source and air-source heat pumps have long expected lifespans, making them good choices for home heating. As long as you purchase the system from a reliable manufacturer and ensure regular maintenance checks to upkeep your system, it should have an impressive lifespan and keep your home warm and comfortable for many years to come.
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