With the cooler temperatures, it’s time to prepare for the winter, if you haven’t already. One of the most crucial things you’ll want to check is the condition of your heat pump. Here, we’ll discuss some signs that you need a new heat pump.
1. Inflated Energy Bills
If your bills are higher than usual, your heating system may not be working properly. Heat pumps experience wear and tear over time and become less efficient. As a result, they may work harder than usual and consume more energy.
You’ll see your bills rise over time as the unit struggles to keep up with your heating demands. It’s always advisable to schedule annual maintenance visits for your heating system to avoid energy loss. However, if that alone doesn’t take care of the issue, it’s time to upgrade.
2. Age
The average life of a heat pump is around 15 years. Older systems, however, are often ineffective and struggle to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. They also tend to need more frequent repairs that can really add up making it a better investment in a new heating system.
If your heat pump is over 15 years old, it’s most likely time for a new one. Contact a professional for help with choosing the replacement and then the installation process.
3. Frequent Need for Repairs
While repairs are an expected part of owning a heat pump, frequent efforts to keep it running are not. Be sure to evaluate the cost of repairs versus that of replacement before committing to maintenance. If you find that repairs are approaching 50% of the cost of a new heating system, it’s a wiser decision to put that money into a new heating system.
4. Strange Noises from the Heat Pump
One of the first signs of a failing heat pump is a strange noise coming from the unit. As it starts to wear, your heating system may become noisy due to wear of the moving parts.
While heat pumps make some noises intermittently, but if the noise persists and is loud, banging, or clunking, that’s a pretty clear sign that a repair is needed. Although repairs can remedy the problem, depending on the age of your heating system and cost of the repair, you may want to consider replacing the system.
The beginning of winter temperatures is a good time to schedule your annual heat pump checkup and maintenance. For more information on heat pumps, contact Lee Air Conditioning today.
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