When to Repair vs. Replace Your Heat Pump

A heat pump is an efficient home comfort solution, but they are just as susceptible to wear and tear as a traditional HVAC system. If you’ve noticed your heat pump system struggling to meet your home’s demands, you know you need to call a professional for help. But will you be scheduling a heat pump repair or replacement?

Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Professional Attention

Since heat pumps often run year-round, they wear out much more quickly than other systems. Luckily, these systems typically exhibit signs when they need some attention. Calling a professional heat pump technician will help you determine whether it’s time for a repair or replacement. Some of the signs to watch out for include:

• Short cycling
• Strange noises and smells
• Weakened airflow
• Higher energy bills
• Nonstop Running
• Incorrect temperatures

In addition, check to make sure that your device is responsive.

When you notice these issues, don’t attempt to resolve the problem on your own. A broken heat pump requires professional attention to prevent additional damage to the system.

Should I Repair or Replace My Heat Pump?

After you’ve had an inspection from a trusted expert for home heat pumps, you’ll have a better understanding of the problem. This information will help you make an informed decision regarding the future of your heat pump. Although every situation is different, you can follow a few rules to help make your decision.

Heat pump installers recommend repairs if the following apply to your situation:

• Minor repairs are required
• Repairs are inexpensive
• Other significant repairs have not been required in the past

Repairs are also typically suggested if your heat pump is newer than eight years old, has been well-maintained, or is still under warranty.

In contrast, it is generally recommended to replace your heat pump if it:

• Repeatedly breaks down and requires significant expensive repairs
• Is older than eight years old
• Was performing poorly before it broke down

It’s also best to move forward with a replacement if you know that your system hasn’t been well maintained.

Weighing Your Options

Not every circumstance will check off every point on either of these lists. You’re most likely to experience some overlap with both. Therefore, it’s up to you to evaluate your system and decide which issues are most important to you. For example, if your heat pump is older than 10 years but you’ve scheduled bi-annual routine maintenance, you may decide that minor repairs are worth the cost.

By contrast, if your heat pump is over 10 years old but you never invested in a single maintenance appointment, replacing your system may be more beneficial. In that case, your system is more likely to experience frequent breakdowns and eventually cost more in repairs than a replacement system would.

For most homeowners, it comes down to the cost and the option that best fits their budget. However, there is one good guideline to follow: if the repair cost is more than half of the total cost for a replacement system, it’s time to replace the unit.

Heat Pump Help From Industry Experts

If you’re unsure whether a repair or replacement is best for you, Peak Home Performance is here to help. We’re experts at repairing and replacing heat pumps for homes. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.