4 Signs You Need A Heat Pump Replacement
Heat pumps can be an extremely reliable component of your home. They are extremely resilient and generally are work horses. However, like all other integral appliances in your home, heat pumps will eventually wear out. There are a number of signs and symptoms that your heat pump is on its last leg that you should be aware of so that you can quickly replace your heat pump and not risk leaving your home without heat.
Energy Bills
During those winter months, you may find yourself using your heat pump more and more often. It's during these months that you should take heed of the amount of energy you're using. Have you found that the amount of energy that you're outputting, and therefore how much money you're hemorrhaging, is noticeably more than it has been in the past? Then it might be the case that your heat pump is on its last leg. Although your bill will fluctuate throughout the year, you should make yourself aware of any sharp spikes in your bill. A heat pump that is not operating efficiently will use energy in a more libertine manner, causing your bill to go up substantially. This spike could be cause for heat pump replacement, or you might find that you just need to have some minor repairs done. Call in a heating expert to evaluate the situation for you.
Lackluster Performance
Is your water not becoming as hot in as much time as it usually does? Do you find that your house simply is not becoming warm in an adequate amount of time? Chances are, this is due to the fact that your heat pump is not operating sufficiently and may need to be replaced. There are a number of things that you should be on the lookout for regarding your heat pump's performance. Make sure that your showers become adequately hot in no more than 1 minute after adjusting the heat of your shower, for example. It is also important to note if the heat stays adequate during this time. If your shower goes from hot to cold within a 5 minute time frame, this might be the opening stages of the death knell of your heat pump.
Frequency of Repair
Your heat pump needing a repair or 2 is not an uncommon occurrence. However, if you're having to call the heat pump repair person every week – or realistically, once every 2 to 3 months – then your heat pump probably has a serious problem with integrity. It is important that you ask your repair person the status of your heat pump after every repair. Heat pumps generally last a long time and it is not unheard of for one to last upwards of 16 years. However, make sure during that time that you take sufficient care of your heat pump and adequately monitor its performance.
Leaks and Noises
Its important to keep a literal eye on your eat pump – as well as a literal ear! Although heat pumps are noisy appliances by dint of how they operate, they should not sound like an exploding barrel and you should not be hearing "hammering" sounds emerging from your heat pump. As such, make sure you monitor the loudness of the sounds that emit from your heat pump.
Your heat pump should last you a good long while. However, the time will eventually come when it is time for you to get a replacement heat pump. Keep an eye out for the problems listed in this article so that you can react to any heat pump difficulties in a timely manner and either call in an HVAC service like Allcounty Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning to repair or replace your much-needed heat pump.