How Long Do Heat Pumps Last and What Maintenance Do They Need?
There’s no doubt that New York City experiences its fair share of cold winters and hot, humid summers. Having a reliable and energy-efficient HVAC system is essential for achieving long-term energy savings. Heat pumps are becoming a popular choice for many NYC homeowners looking for an efficient, dual-purpose HVAC unit for their homes.
How Long Does a Heat Pump Last on Average?
Standard heat pumps that rely on ducting to distribute hot and cold air throughout your home typically have a usable lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This is assuming they receive proper maintenance and prompt repair services. Ductless mini-split heat pumps last a bit longer, at 15 to 20 years on average. It’s important to note that several factors can influence the total lifespan of your heat pump. These include your climate, usage habits, and the frequency of maintenance.
The Importance of Regular Heat Pump Maintenance
Routine maintenance is of the utmost importance when it comes to extending the longevity of your unit and ensuring safe and efficient system operation. Most heat pump manufacturers will require you to schedule professional maintenance twice a year to maintain your system’s warranty coverage.
It is crucial to note that heat pumps that don’t receive routine maintenance are more prone to malfunctions and will have a shorter lifespan. Generally, neglected heat pumps that don’t receive annual tune-ups will last seven to 10 years. That’s up to five years less than a heat pump that receives routine maintenance and care. This shorter lifespan primarily results from the unit’s internal components wearing out more quickly.
One great benefit of professional maintenance is that it can give you peace of mind about the functioning of your heat pump. No homeowner wants to overpay for their summertime cooling and wintertime heating bills. Once we’re done servicing your unit, you can rest assured that you’re not overpaying for your utility bills due to inefficient system operation.
Additionally, routine maintenance is perfect for learning how much longer your heat pump is likely to last. While there are many general estimated life spans, there’s nothing better than having our trusted technicians thoroughly assess your unit and give you a more realistic timeframe. This can give you more than enough time to prepare for a replacement at some point in the future when your budget and schedule allow it. No homeowner wants to be stuck with a failing heat pump during the worst of the year’s temperature extremes.
Signs You Need Professional Service
As a homeowner, it’s important to be mindful of your heat pump’s usual operation. When your system is lacking adequate maintenance, it will start to show signs of performance loss and excess wear. This shows up in several different ways. These include reducing heating or cooling, higher energy bills, strange operational noises, weak airflow, unusual odors, and frequent cycling.
You may even notice rust buildup on your system’s components. It’s best to contact us for professional heat pump service when you first notice these issues. You never want to let them continue on as doing so could result in more internal system damage. This can greatly shorten the life span of your unit and lead to a costly breakdown.
DIY Maintenance Tips vs. Professional Tune-Ups
We recommend our professional tune-ups every spring and fall to prep your unit for the summer and winter seasons. JoyTech Mechanical gladly offers maintenance plans for NYC area homeowners to prevent costly repairs and maintain optimal system efficiency. Our tune-up service goes in-depth checking, testing, lubricating, and cleaning all the internal components of your heat pump system. This will allow us to catch any potential problems while they’re small and more affordable to repair. Plus, this will go a long way in reducing your chance of experiencing an unexpected breakdown.
Apart from professional maintenance, there are things you’ll need to do as a homeowner to keep your system operating efficiently. These include routine air filter changes, cleaning up around the condenser unit, and ensuring your air vents are clear of obstructions.
Why Choose JoyTech Mechanical for Heat Pump Service in Queens, NY
JoyTech Mechanical is your one-stop shop for all your heat pump service needs. We help homeowners, property managers, and small business owners throughout Queens and the NYC area get the assistance they need to keep their properties comfortable all year-round. We provide comprehensive services, from initial system installation to routine tune-up services and prompt repairs when necessary.
Contact JoyTech Mechanical today to get the professional assistance you deserve.
