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3 Signs That You Should Replace Your Heat Pump

by Feride Halma

A heat pump is a reliable and energy-efficient heating and cooling system. A heat pump can serve you for an impressive 10-15 years with good maintenance. However, like any other home appliance, a heat pump reaches the end of its useful life over time, and you have to replace it. Luckily, a heat pump often exhibits some signs that indicate its living on borrowed time.

Below are three telltale signs that you should invest in a new heat pump. 

Loss of Efficiency

Generally, a heat pump becomes less efficient as it ages. As a result, it can't heat your home as expected. As a result, your energy bills rise sharply because your heat pump has to run longer cycles, which results in higher electricity consumption. If you can't tie a rise in your heating bills to extreme weather or a new appliance in your house, a failing heat pump is the most likely culprit. 

To restore your home's comfort levels and reduce your energy bills, you need to install a new unit. Modern heat pumps boast built-in technology (such as thermostat compatibility) that makes your system incredibly efficient.   

Noisy Operation

As your heat pump's internal components begin to deteriorate, your unit can make several alarming noises that you shouldn't ignore. For instance, a hissing sound indicates that your unit has low refrigerant levels, so it can't transfer heat effectively. If left alone, your heat pump may eventually fail unexpectedly. 

Metal on metal sounds happens when fan blades hit debris inside the unit. You should turn off your unit because the fan might break or damage other heat pump components. If you hear shrieking noises, the chances are that your compressor is faulty, or you have dirty motor bearings.

When you notice these unusual sounds in your heat pump, call in an experienced heating technician to inspect your unit and advice whether you should repair or replace your unit. 

Poor Indoor Air Quality

In addition to heating, heat pumps also improve your air quality by eliminating excess moisture in your indoor space that could lead to mold and mildew growth. So, if you have stale air or you sneeze too much, that's an obvious sign that your heat pump can't regulate the indoor air quality properly. 

You should replace your heat pump if your unit is to blame. If you have a relatively new heat pump, a professional can install add-ons such as whole-house dehumidifiers that allow your system to ensure proper indoor air quality and reasonable humidity levels without any problems. 

Are these signs familiar? If so, you should invest in a new system to ensure your home stays warm during the cold season. Reach out to a heating installation expert if you need help choosing a suitable heat pump for your home.

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