Categories: Tips and Resources

Repair or Replace Your Heat Pump

Heat pumps provide an energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces and central air conditioning systems for heating and cooling your Harrisburg-area home. An excellent choice for the moderate Central PA climate, a heat pump can reduce your heating costs by as much as 40 to 60%.

Heat pumps are also safe. They don’t produce flames or hot surfaces, and they do not create smoke, ash or other waste materials that are harmful to the environment.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump uses electricity to transfer warm air to where it is needed — or not needed — in your home. During the winter, the heat pump will move heat from the outdoors to the inside of your home.

In the summer, heat pumps do just the opposite — they move heat from the inside to the outdoors. The three types of heat pumps are air-source (the most common type), water-source and geothermal.

Heat Pump Repair

One of the biggest benefits of heat pump ownership is longevity — a well-maintained system can last 20 years or longer. However, heat pumps do require annual service to remain in peak operating condition and prevent the need for costly repairs. A properly maintained heat pump will last up to 25 percent longer than a neglected system and will continue to meet your efficiency requirements.

Like traditional heating and cooling systems, a heat pump may require occasional troubleshooting or repair work to ensure reliable operation or to correct mechanical issues. Generally, if your model is less than 10 years old and experiences a minor problem, it will be more cost-effective to repair, rather than replace the unit. Depending on the age of your heat pump, it’s possible that the repair work is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, which could reduce or even eliminate your repair costs.

Heat Pump Replacement

In some situations, it makes more sense from a cost and efficiency perspective to replace rather than repair a heat pump. Conditions that typically require a replacement include:

Age – If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, it probably isn’t heating and cooling your home as efficiently as before. Replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model will require a larger upfront expenditure than having it repaired, but the energy savings will allow you to recoup your investment over time.
Frequency of repairs – Increasing repair frequency is a sure sign that the heat pump in your Harrisburg home is on its way out. Rather than continuing to waste money on heat pump repairs, you can purchase a new system that will provide more reliable service.
Higher energy bills – Even if your heat pump appears to be working properly, it will become less efficient over time. If you have an older unit and your monthly heating and cooling bills are higher than you’d like, a heat pump replacement can provide a more economical long-term solution.
Uneven performance – Is your home comfort level great some of the time — but not all the time? Are certain areas of your home more comfortable than others? If your heat pump does not deliver consistent heating and cooling throughout your home, it’s probably time for heat pump maintenance or replacement.

Zimmerman Can Meet You Heat Pump Repair and Replacement Needs in Harrisburg

Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is your local heat pump repair company and replacement expert in the Harrisburg area. We’ll help you decide if a repair or replacement is your best alternative. You can also count on us for a fast, reliable heat pump installation, along with comprehensive heat pump maintenance services that will extend the lifespan of your system. Contact us for a free estimate today.