We’ve outlined some of the factors involved in replacing your old HVAC system. The first one to consider is this– when choosing a new system, there are certain limitations imposed by your existing system. To many people, it would seem that the obvious solution to replacement is to swap out your old heat pump with a newer model of the same type. Before you replace your heat pump, however, you need to determine if the current heat pump is sized correctly, and if the ductwork is also the right size for the new unit. Your ducts may be undersized (at least half of all systems are), or it may not be able to evenly heat and cool your home.
So, if your system is starting to perform poorly, and you think it might be time for a change, contact a qualified HVAC contractor. We inspect a lot of systems, and sometimes, we end up recommending a heat pump replacement. Here are some signs that your system may be at the end of its useful life:
1. Age: While age isn’t necessarily a reason to replace, a system that’s ten or fifteen years old is probably not operating very efficiently any more. The efficiency of your current system can be measured. The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance, or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump’s BTU heat output to the BTU electrical input. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases.
Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then it’s operating efficiently.
2. Uneven heating- If you find that there is unequal heating or cooling in the rooms of your house, then you should check your heat pump unit for certain problems. These problems could be due to improper installation, trouble with the ducts or, worse, your equipment is no longer functioning well. In this scenario, it’s likely that you’ll have to replace your old model.
3. Increased operating costs- Consider how much it costs to operate your current system. If your energy bills and the expenses spent on repairs and parts are increasing each year, replacement is probably in order. These expenses will continue to climb each year you own your old heat pump and, to add insult to injury, your system performance is likely to deteriorate.
4. Noise- If you start noticing that your system is becoming noisy, it could be a sign that parts are wearing out. Before additional damage is done, have a qualified HVAC contractor come check it out.
Contact us when you think it might be time to replace your heat pump. We can help you determine if your entire system needs replaced, and weigh your options. There are many considerations when replacing your current system, so we want to make sure that the benefits outweigh the costs involved.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).For more information about Heat Pump Systems and other HVAC topics,click here to visit our website.
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