A heat pump is a device that can either heat or cool a home bymoving heat from one source to another. Inwarm weather, it diverts the heat from your home tooutdoors. In cold weather, the opposite occurs. Itis an extremely efficient way to heat or cool a building.
The life expectancy of a heat pump depends on several factors, such as the type of heat pump, your location, and how well the heat pump is maintained. Heat pumps normally last an average of 15 years, though some can wear out after a decade. Some of the newer units being manufactured today can last a bit longer.
The factor most important in determining the lifespan of your heat pump is maintenance. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your heat pump is well-maintained, which will help extend its life. For example:
- Ice can build up on the outdoor coil, causing frost, and can impede the pump’s ability to provide heat. Check to make sure that its defrost cycle is working properly.
- Replace or clean air filters regularly, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clean the fins on the outside condenser unit.
- Keep coils clean.
- Do not allow plant growth within 18 inches of the outdoor unit.
There are several different types of heat pumps. The most common is the air-source heat pump, which transfers air between the outside environment and indoors. A less common type is the water-source pump, which taps into warmer temperatures underground. A dual-source pump combines features of both. A dual-source pump usually lasts the longest out of all three kinds.
Heat pumps are more efficient than air conditioners because they both heat and cool your home; there is no need to install a heating and a cooling system. One issue, however, is their ability to efficiently heat a home when the temperature drops below freezing for any length of timer. In colder climates, homeowners may need a backup source of heat. Heat pumps work best when the outside temperature is around 50 degrees.
Here at Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer expert advice on heating, air conditioning and ventilation services. We encourage you to contact us for expert advice.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pumps and other HVAC topics, visit our website.
Glasco Heating & Air Conditioning services South Windsor, Connecticut and the surrounding areas.
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