Heat pumps are a great option in Pinellas Park, FL, as they provide air conditioning to keep your home cool and heating when you need it. Like all HVAC equipment, heat pumps will eventually break down and need replacing. The only question is whether a heat pump repair is the better option. Here are a few tips to help you more easily make this decision:
Consider the Age of Your Heat Pump
Heat pumps usually have an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years. If your heat pump is only a few years old, you probably want to repair it whenever possible. However, if it’s approaching the end of its life, replacing it will typically always be the smarter decision.
In addition, you should also consider heat pump maintenance. If you have your unit professionally maintained every year, you’ll usually be able to wait longer before replacing it than you would if you neglect the unit.
Look at Your Warranty Terms
Another important consideration is whether your heat pump is still under warranty. Heat pumps typically have a five-year warranty on the compressor and a one-year warranty on other components.
If your system breaks down due to normal wear and tear during this time, repairing it is obviously the best choice. In this case, you will usually only have to pay for the associated labor costs and not for any necessary replacement parts.
Compare Repair and Replacement Costs
Many HVAC experts recommend using something called the rule of $5,000 when deciding between heat pump repairs or replacement. To use this rule, simply take the estimated cost of the repairs and multiply it by the age of your heat pump. If this number is anywhere near or above $5,000, you’re probably best off replacing the unit instead of repairing it.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of your heat pump is another important consideration. Newer HVAC equipment tends to use far less energy than units produced even a decade ago. In addition, energy efficiency also tends to decrease as the unit ages.
If your energy bills are slowly rising from year to year, it may be better to simply replace your old heat pump with a new, more energy-efficient unit. Even if the new unit may cost more than what it would to repair your old heat pump, the increased energy savings and improved comfort can still make replacement a great choice.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your heat pump in Pinellas Park, FL, the highly trained HVAC service technicians at Viking Air are here to help. We can inspect your heat pump and HVAC system to find the cause of the issue and also help you decide whether repair or replacement is the best option. To schedule a heat pump inspection or any other HVAC service, give us a call today.
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