What if one unit could replace your existing furnace and central air conditioner? That isn’t some pie-in-the-sky wish. Install a new heat pump and it’s a reality. One unit can effectively heat your home in the winter, and do an equally good job cooling your home in the summertime. And if you need heat pump installations (or heat pump replacements) in the Sacramento area, you can join the growing number of homeowners who have turned to Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning.
Average Heat Pump Lifespan
Time, use, and wear take their toll on any major appliance, like a conventional home heating installation or air conditioner installation. Where an air conditioner lasts twelve to fifteen years on average and a furnace lasts 18 to 20 years, a heat pump lasts between ten and twelve years. The shorter duration can be chalked up to the fact that a heat pump works year-round, whereas your old heating and cooling solutions get to “hibernate” for extended periods of time.
When it’s Time for a Heat Pump Replacement
You can ensure that your heat pump lasts longer with regular heat pump maintenance. But even then, there can be a significant gap in performance between a system that’s newly-installed and one that’s served your home for a decade or more. Here are a few signs it’s time for a replacement.
Improper Sizing
Most building contractors, and too many HVAC installers, simply size based on a building’s square footage. But if you don’t account for things like volume, construction, and inbound sunlight, you can end up with a system that’s either too small (which has to work harder to heat and cool) or too big (wasting money on energy and wearing out through short cycling). Home additions and other architectural changes like raising the roof to get more square footage on the second floor can also mean it’s time for a new system that’s sized properly.
Age
What if your heat pump still works fine? Replacement can still make sense since any HVAC system’s efficiency decreases as time goes by. It’s also worth bearing in mind that at some point, the repairs will come, and the older the system, the more likely that repair will be something major — not to mention expensive.
Energy Spend
Speaking of cost, a rising utility bill is another sign it’s time for a replacement. Your system may be running problem-free thanks to proper maintenance, but that doesn’t mean it’s working its best. Newer systems are built better, delivering higher efficiency. That, in turn, means a home that can be kept more comfortable for a lower cost. Bonus: more efficient units can also even help you qualify for tax credits and energy efficiency rebates.
Picking the Right Heat Pump For Your Sacramento Home
Whether you’re considering a new heat pump for the first time, or you’re looking for the perfect replacement, how do you make the best choice? We’re here to help.
- Begin with the proper size to ensure optimum function and efficiency
- Make sure your home is suitable for a heat pump, especially since considerations like preservation or the absence of ductwork can complicate any HVAC installation
- Air quality concerns, since not all systems filter air by the same methods
- Energy efficiency goals, which can involve understanding Energy Star, SEER, and other ratings; if you come up short here, call us — it’s what we’re here for
Picking the Right Company For Your Heat Pump Install / Replacement
For more than xx years, countless homeowners and business owners have turned to us to meet their HVAC needs. So if it’s time for a new heat pump in Sacramento, it’s time to call Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning!