Should I Choose Heat Pump Repair or Replacement?

Inevitably, your heat pump will malfunction every so often. However, when this happens, it may not be clear whether you should try to fix the system or get a new one. Here’s some information for homeowners in Woodbridge, VA, that can help you decide whether you need a heat pump repair or replacement:

Age of the Heat Pump

Always keep the age of your heat pump in the back of your mind. Air-source heat pumps have an average lifespan of about 15 years, while geothermal heat pumps last approximately 25 years. If your system reaches or passes this age and then breaks down, we urge you to opt for a heat pump replacement over repairs.

Frequency of Breakdowns

The next thing to note is how frequently your heat pump breaks down. One serious malfunction every few years isn’t a significant problem, and skilled heat pump repairs can take care of it. However, if your system fails every few months, the cost of repairs can pile up to such an extent that you’d be better off just getting a new heat pump.

Regular breakdowns are so important that they can override the pump’s age in terms of importance for system issues. If you’ve been careful to schedule regular maintenance for your heat pump, it might work past its average shelf life and hardly ever break down. But if you neglect it, it might break down repeatedly only a few years after you buy it.

Utility Bills

As your heat pump ages and its parts deteriorate, its efficiency will fall. This will cause your utility bills to correspondingly rise. Repairs may temporarily resolve the problem and force your bills back down, but if the issue continues, it’d be best to install a new heat pump.

Being able to decide when it’s time for a heat pump repair or a replacement requires attention to detail and knowledge. We’ve given you some of the knowledge you need. If it’s time, call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule HVAC services near Woodbridge, VA.

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