If you are considering a new or replacement heating system, the estimated life span of the system is obviously a key factor that you need to take into consideration. This will largely affect your heating costs for many years to come, and you don’t want to choose a heating system that doesn’t meet your home-comfort requirements.
Most experts agree that a heat pump’s life span is about 12 years. However, they also warn that this number is largely affected by how well you maintain the system. The most effective way to get the most life from your heat pump is to have preventive maintenance performed annually. A yearly fall inspection will ensure that the heat pump will operate as efficiently as possible all winter long, providing ample warmth and keeping heating costs down. Your HVAC technician will clean and lubricate key components to keep it operational, while reducing the amount of deterioration it incurs.
Another very simple way to extend your heat pump’s life span is to stay on top of changing your air filters. Neglecting your filters leads to a buildup of debris that forms a thick film and makes it difficult for air to pass through. This then requires the system to use more energy to force the air through, spiking heating costs and putting extra strain on your system that can shorten its life span. Replacing your filters each month during the winter also helps keep your indoor air clean.
Here are a few other simple things you can do this winter to get the most from your heat pump and extend its life span:
- On warm winter days, spray down your outdoor unit with a water hose to rinse away dirt on the fins.
- Purchase a special breathable cover for the outside unit that will protect it from the elements but prevent moisture accumulation.
- Sweep away dirt and other debris around the perimeter of the unit.
To learn more about the average heat pump’s life span and how to make sure yours lasts, contact T.F. O’Brien Cooling & Heating. We have proudly served Long Island since 1934.
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, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.