Heat pumps are a major investment, so it’s important that you get your money’s worth. How long will your heat pump last before you need to think about replacing it?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need to ensure your heat pump lasts for 3-5 years to ensure payback on the cost of investment compared to a gas boiler. Luckily, heat pumps can reach this lifespan easily. Ours are even protected by a fantastic 3-year warranty policy for extra peace of mind.

In the past, you could reasonably expect a heat pump to last for approximately 15 years. However, as the technology has developed, modern units should now last for around 20-25 years, with some lasting even longer than that. Compare this to a traditional gas boiler, which will typically last for around 10 years.

This lifespan is made possible by how heat pumps are built. They don’t have as many moving parts as other heating system, so there’re far fewer potential points of failure.

In short, heat pumps are clear winners over other heating systems when it comes to longevity, in addition to a whole host of other advantages.

Factors To Consider

It’s important to remember that that there are loads of different factors that can have an impact on the lifespan of your heat pump and to take this into account when installing it. These can include:

  • What kind of heat pump you’re using (ground source heat pumps tend to be even more durable).
  • How much maintenance the pump receives.
  • The weather in your area.
  • How long you use your pump for on a day-to-day basis.

For example, if you live in an area prone to extremely cold temperatures that stick around for a while, then your heat pump will have a reduced lifespan. This isn’t a problem in most parts of the UK, but it is worth bearing in mind.

Signs To Look Out For

There are a few indicators that your pump isn’t working at its best, which can suggest it needs repairs or that it’s approaching the end of its lifespan. For example:

  • Your heat pump is losing efficiency, and your heating bills are rising steadily. This can be a sign of corroded metal elements, or a build up of dust or grime on the coils.
  • Your heat pump generates cold air when you want hot and vice versa. This could mean the filters need replacing or cleaning, but if this has been done recently it could be a sign that the pump needs replacing entirely.
  • Parts, such as the compressor, start to break and need replacing one after the other. After a point the cost of repairs will exceed the cost of a new heat pump, so it’s better and more efficient to replace it entirely.

A lot of these signs can be caught early, remedied, or even prevented, by regular and consistent maintenance.

How To Help Your Pump Last Longer

The best way to help your heat pump last as long as possible is to ensure it’s given regular maintenance and care. This doesn’t mean you need to constantly shell out for expensive servicing and specialised repair work, heat pumps are robust enough that they don’t need a huge amount of care.

Most of this maintenance work can be done by you on a semi-regular basis, such as giving the air filters a quick clean and ensuring the fans aren’t obstructed.

Think of it like looking after a car- while it will occasionally need a professional to take a look at it to spot any warning signs, for the most part you can take care of the small quality of life improvements yourself!

Get in touch with us today to learn more about heat pumps! You can either give us a ring on 0116 321 4124 or send us an email to sales@suryaheating.co.uk.

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