A residential heat pump is designed to last up to 20 years. However, you’ll likely notice a few telltale signs that your system is declining before two decades. To ensure you receive the most value possible from your heat pump – a significant investment in your home – you need to provide regular maintenance and prompt repairs.

Investing money in an old heat pump is not a smart move. It’s like throwing money away. You’ll want to watch for these common signs to know whether to repair or replace your heat pump.

Repair or Replace?

There are a few questions you must ask yourself before repairing or replacing a heat pump in your home.

  • Have you provided scheduled maintenance? A well-maintained heat pump is able to perform substantially better (by up to 25 percent) than a neglected heat pump. By regularly scheduling heat pump maintenance, you can ensure your unit remains energy efficient and avoids expensive repairs.
  • Does it work well and efficiently each month? No matter the age of your sump pump, if the unit is not heating the home properly, even after scheduled repairs or maintenance, then it’s a waste of money to keep scheduling repairs. A replacement is a better investment.
  • Are you spending a lot of money? If your heat pump isn’t providing the necessary heat, you’re spending money each month on a broken system. Additionally, if you’re scheduling numerous repairs each year, that money is practically going down the drain. You should be seeing savings each month, not a drained bank account.
  • How old is the system? According to Energy Star, you should replace your heat pump after 20 years. A new system is likely to have higher energy efficiency features with increased monthly savings to boot. Furthermore, today’s heat pumps use two-stage compressors, variable-speed air handlers, and efficient coil designs for increased comfort and savings.

Heat Pump Repair

Alternatively, if it is better to repair your heat pump if:

  • You have an active warranty on your unit.
  • he heat pump is less than 10 years old.
  • Any needed repairs are minor and affordable.

Some minor repairs, such as replacing an air filter or performing maintenance on the coil fins, are relatively inexpensive. However, replacing a compressor or air handler motor, on the other hand, is much more expensive. If you want to save money, avoid these big repairs. Instead, opt for a new unit. It will cost more upfront but save you money in the long-run.

For exceptional heat pump repair or replacement, contact Northern's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning®. You can schedule affordable HVAC service today by calling (763) 284-8639. We have technicians standing by to help at any hour!