As the cooler fall air rolls in, is your heat pump up to the task of keep you warm until next spring? Here’s how to decide if it’s time to upgrade your heat pump system to keep you cozy all winter long.
Time to Upgrade?
You have HVAC repair service on speed dial.
Regular preventive maintenance and occasional repairs are common reasons to call for service on your heat pump. But if your heating system is consistently breaking down, it’s worth considering an upgrade. Eventually, repair costs on an outdated system (that’s in the process of breaking down) could cost far more than it’s worth. Plus, a new heat pump will not only save on repair costs but will also reduce your energy bills.
Your heat pump is 10 or more years old.
Even if your decade-old heat pump is humming along just fine, it is not nearly as energy efficient as new models. An ENERGY STAR-rated heat pump could save you up to 20% on your heating bills if you’re upgrading from a machine that old.
Your system is noisy.
Older systems with fewer features will already be noisier than newer, better outfitted heat pumps. But new or worsening noises could indicate problems with your indoor coil, or even point to duct problems or inadequate sizing. When a new heat pump is installed, your technician will make sure that all the equipment in the system is compatible and size correctly for the needs of your home.
Some rooms in your home are colder or hotter than others.
If your heating system has previously kept your home consistently comfortable, but has recently been falling down on the job, it may be time for a replacement. Leaky doors and windows, and poor insulation can definitely be culprits, but if your home is well-sealed, an underpowered or failing heat pump may be to blame.
You could use some home automation features.
Is your home empty most of the day while you’re at work? Do you have a generally consistent schedule with occasional changes you’d like your heating system to adjust to? Newer systems are compatible with programmable and smart thermostats, and during a new heat pump installation is the perfect time to have technicians install a more advanced thermostat (while basic thermostats are pretty easy for DIYers, smart devices can be more challenging).
Your compressor has one speed.
Single-stage, or fixed-stage, compressors are either off or running at full speed. Newer two-stage or variable-stage compressors run much more efficiently and are quieter than their fixed-stage predecessors.
Your blower motor has one speed.
Similar to the advantages of two- or variable-stage compressors, blower motors that only have a single speed are much less efficient and comfortable than two-speed or variable-speed models. Rather than a blast of air as the heat pump’s blower runs, these newer systems run at more appropriate speeds for the job, and can keep your home more consistently comfortable. A quieter system is an added benefit.
Bottom Line
Heat pumps and air conditioners are major appliance purchases and should last many years. But significant changes in energy efficiency and product technology are by themselves great reasons to consider upgrading an aging system. When the improvements of new systems are combined with symptoms of a failing heat pump, though, it’s time to give your trusted heat pump contractor a call to be sure you’ll be warm and comfortable all season long!
