A heat pump is an essential part of keeping you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter. With its ability to go both ways, a heat pump can work all year-round, but don’t expect it to last forever.

Proper maintenance will help a pump last longer, but there will come a time when it would call for a replacement. There are a few warning signs that can help HVAC owners identify when it’s time to look for a replacement pump.

Keep in mind, however, that it’s generally unsafe for anyone to replace a heat pump. Always contact the services or the advice of a professional team before doing anything to the HVAC. Just taking it down is risky, as it can accidentally fall on somebody.

The first thing an HVAC owner needs to notice is a reduced performance on BOTH the heating and cooling abilities of the unit. The heat pump uses the same operation to heat or cool a room; if there’s a noticeable drop-off in both functions, it can only mean the pump is malfunctioning.

The second thing owners should notice – and this will be very easy to spot – is a sudden spike in the electric bill. The heat pump is one of the biggest electricity consumers in the home. Once it starts to malfunction, its consumption will rise, which will surely reflect on the charges.

Most appliances will incur the bulk of their repairs in the last two years of their service life. When the breaks start coming in one after another, it’s a bad sign that the pump needs a replacement immediately. A good rule of thumb is to look over the repair bills the pump cost you in the last year: if it exceeds $500 consider getting a replacement right away.

If you have more questions regarding certain parts of your HVAC unit, contact us today. Our team has years of experience working with different types air conditioning systems, and will receive any inquiry with a smile.