If you are unsure how much longer your heat pump is going to last, here are four signs that you need to upgrade your heating pump this spring.

#1 You Didn't Maintain Your System

First, you need to look at your maintenance records for your system. If the heat pump was well maintained, it will last longer than if maintenance was neglected. If your heat pump has not gotten an annual maintenance check-up every year, and it is over a decade old, it may be time to trade it out for a new unit. If you purchased the house in the past ten years and don't know the maintenance information, and the system is not running well, you may be able to assume that it was not well maintained.

Just make sure that you schedule annual maintenance inspections for your new heat pump. This will help extend the life of the new heat pump. 

#2 Your Heat Pump Doesn't Evenly Heat Your Home

Your heat pump should be capable of evenly heating up and cooling your home. You shouldn't have to keep turning up the heat to make your house cool. You should not have pockets of cold air inside of your home air or rooms that are cold. 

If your heat pump can't keep your home evenly heated and cooled, even after it has been repaired, don't keep dumping money into your heat pump. It is better to purchase a new heat pump when your heat pump seems to be beyond repair. It is a better investment.

#3 Your Energy Costs Are Rising

Third, your heating costs should remain relatively consistent throughout the year. If over the past year or so, your heating costs have gone up and your heating pump has need constant repairs, you may need a new heating pump. Your heating pump should help control your heating costs, not drive them up. If you can't find any other reasons for your rising heating costs, it is most likely related to the your heating pump not working effectively. 

#4 Your Heat Pump Is Getting Up There in Years

Finally, not all things are better with age, and that includes your heat pump. Heat pumps are designed to work most effectively when they are under a decade old. Many older heat pumps do not use the same technology as newer ones do. Most new heat pumps include coils that are designed to run more efficiently. Many new heat pumps also use air handles that use variable speeds to increase energy savings. 

For more advice about replacing your heat pump, talk to an HVAC contractor like RPB HVAC LLC.