You need to be conscious about assessing the damage to your home’s utilities. Unlike problems with structural embellishments like staircases and floorboards, complications to your heating system, electrical wiring, and plumbing fixtures can be a greater pain when left unattended.
Your heat pump is a necessary component of your home’s utilities, keeping you warm and comfortable during harsh winter seasons. Although it’ll only be working overtime during winter and summer, it can still serve you well during cold nights and hot afternoons. However, every heating pump has a predetermined life expectancy, which can be shorter or longer depending on how you maintain it.
Knowing when to let go of your heat pump
It’s not unusual to encounter issues with your heat pump, especially if it’s an old model. Strange noises, odd odors, and performance issues are just some of the many symptoms of a deteriorating heat pump. If you’re experiencing these complications, it may be best to replace your current unit.
If your HVAC system is due for a heat pump replacement, here are three things you should consider:
1. Your heat pump’s life cycle
The average lifespan of a heat pump should be around 10 to 12 years, depending on your unit’s maintenance conditions. Generally, it’s best to avoid repairing faulty units past 12 years since it will only result in temporary operations. Even after repairing multiple parts, it will still deteriorate at a faster rate. Although you may be a new tenant at a property, it’s best to ask how old the building is or the current heat pump age. Knowing its exact age from purchase will give you a better idea if you should opt to repair or replace it.
2. Your heat pump’s energy consumption
Contrary to its name, heat pumps do more than provide heating to your home. This is why you must note its energy consumption all-year-round. When units past their life cycle are still working smoothly, they may have defects in other areas. For example, you may be receiving the same level of heating and cooling but receive a higher energy bill. Although energy rates and living expenses are always fluctuating, that doesn’t mean that your electricity should always move upwards. If your old heat pump uses too much excess electricity, it may be time to make the switch.
3. Your heat pump’s SEER rating
A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) designates the efficiency of a heat pump system. A model’s SEER rating will vary from 13 to 25. The higher the SEER rating is, the more energy-efficient it is. Older models that are beyond 14 years of age can have a SEER rating of 10 or lower. Products sold from 2006 onwards have a minimum rating of 13, with more recent models boasting better energy-saving features at affordable prices.
Conclusion
Before you consider replacing your heat pump, it’s important to get a professional assessment if it’s the best solution for you. Some homeowners are keeping units that are durable enough to last another few years, making a replacement a little bit too early for their heat pump’s potential life span. Hiring HVAC technicians to assess, and potentially repair, your heat pump’s damage will tell you whether you should stick with your current heat pump for a while or opt for an upgrade.
Receiving a proper diagnosis on your heat pump will ensure that you’re making the right financial choice for your home. If you need 24-hour air-conditioning repair in New Jersey, our expert technicians at Elite Repairs Corp are happy to help. Contact our HVAC technicians today!