Wondering what will be the essential routine maintenance for Heat Pumps? Heat pumps are essential to heating and cooling your home, especially during the summer and winter. A heat pump should last about 15 years. Although, the lifespan of a heat pump dramatically depends on how well the heat pump system is maintained, climate, and location. A well-maintained heat pump can last 20-25 years, while a heat pump may only last about ten years in coastal environments.
What are the essential routine maintenance items? 
- Changing refrigerant insulation if needed
- Servicing and cleaning annually
- Replacing the air filter regularly (between 1 to 3 months)
- Remove debris from around the outside unit
The level of routine maintenance can significantly impact the lifespan of your heat pump. For instance, split heat pumps will only last for 10-15 years with no maintenance, while they can have a lifespan of 21-25 years with all maintenance (the four items mentioned above). A package heat pump will work for 12-15 with no maintenance and last for 22-25 years with all maintenance. A ductless heat pump only lasts for 8-12 years with no maintenance, while it can last for 18-20 years with all maintenance.
“How Does a Heat Pump Work?”
A heat pump is a type of HVAC device, and it’s an all-in-one system that performs both heating and cooling functions. In simple words, a heat pump transfers heat energy from one location at a lower temperature to another warmer area. In cooling mode, a heat pump transfers heat from inside your home to the outside. In heating mode, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside and moves it inside. This heat exchange happens through a refrigerant gas that moves between two heat exchangers.
“How Can You Tell When Your Heat Pump Needs Replacement?”
Your heat pump will eventually need to be replaced even with routine cleaning and maintenance. Here are some signs which show you it’s time to replace your heat pump.
1) Loud, Strange Noises and a Strange Smell
Heat pumps generally produce some noises when starting up or shutting down. However, if you notice a sudden change in the sounds coming from your system, the best thing to do is get a technician to check it out. Heat pumps vibrate, but this vibration will worsen over time which can damage parts cause a gas leak. Foul smells can be from mold or mildew build-up in the unit on the evaporator coil or inside the ductwork, which is another sign.
2) Reduced Airflow
A considerable decrease in airflow can be pointed out if your system is not operating at its best. In most situations, a new heat pump is your best option.
3) High Energy Bills
Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems. Therefore, if it loses efficiency, you’ll get high energy bills. Your heat pump may be too old to work if you have serviced the unit after covering all your bases, but the high bills keep coming.
“ What Are The Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Heat Pump?”
Several factors determine the lifespan of your heat pump. Some of these things are within your control, while some are just unavoidable.
1) Installation
Installation of heat pumps should be done with great caution and by experts. If done wrongly, it may affect the lifespan of the unit.
2) Level of Maintenance
With regular heat pump service maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your heat pump up to three years. This includes regularly cleaning the device changing the air filters.
3) Location
Heat pumps in coastal areas have a shorter lifespan. Due to the salty atmosphere, it is corrosive and slowly degrades the equipment in the long run.
4) Usage
Overuse or wrong usage diminishes the lifespan of your heat pumps.
5) Climate
If you live in a place with more prolonged and colder winters, it means your heat pump will be running longer and harder, which can significantly reduce its lifespan.
