So you’re considering getting a heat pump installed. You’ve heard a lot of good things about heat pumps, but there are still a lot of questions on your mind. You may be wondering:
- What’s involved with a heat pump installation?
- How long will a heat pump last compared to other HVAC systems?
- Does it REALLY provide both heating and cooling?
Let’s answer any questions that might be lingering in your mind when it comes to heat pumps so you can decide if heat pump installation is right for you.
Does a heat pump really provide both heating and cooling?
It’s true that a heat pump combines both heating and cooling power. As an air conditioner, it’s the match of any standard AC with the same cooling rating. And as a heater, it has much better energy efficiency than electric furnaces. A heat pump can struggle with efficiency in single-digit temperatures, but that’s not an issue here in the PNW.
How long will a heat pump last?
Heat pumps last about as long as an air conditioner: about 10-15 years. A heat pump works like an AC. It circulates refrigerant using a compressor, absorbing heat through one set of coils and releasing it through another.
That’s pretty impressive when you consider that heat pumps work practically year-round to both heat and cool a home! Plan on having your heat pump for 10-15 years before you’ll need a replacement.
What do I need to do to take care of a heat pump?
Maintaining a heat pump is similar to maintenance for any other HVAC system. Here are the things you’ll need to do to make sure you get the most life out of a heat pump.
- Schedule tune-ups twice a year. That’s right, your heat pump needs bi-annual maintenance in the spring and the fall because it works year-round. Don’t neglect maintenance! That 10-15 year lifespan estimate we mentioned is only applicable to heat pumps that receive bi-annual tune-ups.
- Change the air filter every 1-3 months. This is an easy DIY task that every homeowner should do on a regular basis. Depending on certain factors such as whether you have pets, allergy or asthma sufferers, smokers in the home, or a large household, you should change or clean the filter every 1-3 months.
- Check the outdoor unit once a year. Make sure nothing is obstructing the outdoor unit and that includes grass/weeds. Gently hose the outdoor unit off when it’s dirty. These simple tasks will maximize the airflow it needs to do its job properly.
- Get repairs done promptly. Don’t delay calling for repairs at the first sign that something is wrong. It could be a strange noise, a drop in performance, or an unusually high utility bill. You don’t want a minor issue to become a major problem by hoping it’ll go away.
If you’re still not sure a heat pump is right for you, give us a call and we’d be happy to walk you through the benefits.
Count on the team with the most experience. Contact the team at Sunset Air for heat pump installation today.
