Heat pumps are often used to provide efficient heating and cooling for homes in the Ocean Isle Beach area. Quality equipment that is cared for throughout the years will last you quite some time, but there always comes a point where a new HVAC system is necessary.
If you have a heat pump that’s freezing up, a system that won’t switch functions, or one that simply isn’t doing its job well, you’ll need to decide whether to repair or replace the system. In our most recent blog, the heating and cooling experts at A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical provide expert guidance to help make that decision a bit easier.
Deciding to Repair or Replace Your Heat Pump
Most homeowners don’t know the ins and outs of heat pump systems and cannot assess the severity of malfunctions such as a heat pump that’s freezing up or a bad compressor. Without a detailed understanding of the problem, it is often difficult to decide whether the right course of action is to repair or replace the unit. For example, an issue such as a heat pump that’s freezing up could have an easy fix or point to something more serious – the extent isn’t always obvious.
Your trusted HVAC professional can provide information to help you get a better understanding of the problems affecting your heat pump and how they affect your system. Some malfunctions cannot be fixed while others can, yet some that can be fixed just don’t make sense to do so because of the high costs involved. While information from your heating and cooling professional about your specific situation should be considered, there are also a few general “rules” to help you decide between repairing or replacing your heat pump.
Repair your heat pump if…
- It is still under warranty
- It is newer than eight years old
- It has been well maintained over the years
- The needed repairs are considered minor
- The needed repairs are not expensive
- It hasn’t required other repair services in the past
Replace your heat pump if…
- It is eight years old or more
- It wasn’t performing well before the malfunction occurred
- It breaks down often
- It hasn’t been maintained
- The needed repairs are fairly significant
- The needed repairs are costly
Of course, not every situation is going to meet every point on one list or the other. When this happens, you have to evaluate each point carefully and decide what factors are most important to you. For example, if you have a heat pump that is freezing up and is 10 years old but you’ve taken very good care of it, you may feel minor repairs now are worth the cost as your system may last a few more years.
In most cases, it comes down to cost for homeowners. As a general guideline, if the cost of the needed repairs is more than half the total price for new heat pump installation, it might be time to replace the unit no matter its age. One exception would be if repairs are covered by existing warranty coverage and aren’t costing you much out of pocket.
Heat Pump Help from A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical
If you need advice about whether to repair or replace your existing heat pump, A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical is here for you. We can either repair your current unit or help you find the perfect new system. Our heating and cooling system experts provide honest information, and you always have the final say. For heat pump repairs or replacement and installation services in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, call us today.