When should a heat pump be replaced, and what does replacement involve?

Signs that point toward replacement

ENERGY STAR's page on replacement says certain telltale signs mean it is time to consider replacing heating and cooling equipment. It also says the same signs can mean improving the performance of your overall system.

The list starts with age. ENERGY STAR says it may be time to call a professional contractor if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. ENERGY STAR's 2009 guide says that if you have taken the steps it outlines to improve efficiency and continue to experience problems, or if your HVAC system is old (10 – 15 years) or not working, consider replacing your equipment.

The next sign is cost. ENERGY STAR lists equipment that needs frequent repairs while your energy bills are going up. It says your cooling or heating equipment may have become less efficient.

The last group is about comfort. ENERGY STAR lists rooms that are too hot or too cold, humidity problems, excessive dust and a noisy system. For each one, it names causes beyond the equipment itself, such as duct problems or inadequate insulation. For the broader repair-or-replace question, see how to decide between repair and replacement.

Problems that may not need a new heat pump

Some of these signs can come from the ducts rather than the heat pump. ENERGY STAR says leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics and crawl spaces and spread them through the house. It adds that sealing your ducts may be a solution. It says a noisy system could mean an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil.

An older refrigerant, HCFC-22, is often called R-22. The EPA says it does not require homeowners to replace their existing equipment. The EPA says that as of January 1, 2020, no new HCFC-22 will be made or imported into the United States. Used HCFC-22, cleaned up to the same specifications as new, will continue to be available.

For a leak, the EPA says homeowners should ask technicians to locate and repair leaks instead of topping off leaking systems. It also says major leaks rarely develop in properly installed and regularly maintained units. The EPA says the refrigerant is typically listed on the unit's nameplate, and for central air conditioners the nameplate is usually on the outdoor condenser. For refrigerant changes, see converting an R-22 system.

Maintenance matters too. ENERGY STAR says dirty coils and too much or too little refrigerant can each reduce the life of the equipment. It says faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components. It says a dirty filter can damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

Replace the indoor and outdoor parts together

ENERGY STAR says most residential central air conditioners are split systems. ENERGY STAR describes a split system as an outdoor component with a condenser and compressor, and an indoor component with an evaporator coil. UF/IFAS Extension calls the condenser the outdoor unit that keeps the refrigerant cool. ENERGY STAR's 2009 guide describes air conditioners this way, and calls a heat pump a system that provides both heating and cooling in one integrated system.

In its section on central air conditioners, the guide says it is very important to replace both the outdoor and indoor units at the same time. It says a new outdoor unit without a new indoor unit is likely to result in low efficiency. It may also lead to premature failure of the system. Its installation checklist says to install a properly matched indoor coil when replacing an outdoor unit, because an old coil will not work efficiently with a new outdoor unit.

UF/IFAS Extension says to replace both indoor and outdoor units if they do not match in age, refrigerant or efficiency. UF/IFAS Extension says an air handler is the indoor unit that moves the air through the heating and cooling system.

Sizing the new heat pump

UF/IFAS Extension says that to assure proper sizing, the load must be calculated, not just estimated based on square feet. ENERGY STAR says your contractor should verify the right size using Manual J, a calculation of the heating and cooling your home needs. ENERGY STAR's guide says a system that is too large will not keep your home comfortable because of frequent on and off cycling. UF/IFAS Extension says heat pump capacity is generally given in tons, and a ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. For how sizing is done, see what to expect from a heat pump installation.

Refrigerant and the installation itself

The old refrigerant must be handled properly. The EPA says the Clean Air Act prohibits the knowing release of most types of refrigerant during appliance disposal. ENERGY STAR's guide says that with a Quality Installation, the contractor will verify the refrigerant level and test the airflow. For duct checks and the installation steps, see what to expect from a heat pump installation.

Get the replacement in writing

ENERGY STAR's guide says both you and your contractor should sign a written proposal before work starts. It says the proposal should specify all products by quantity, name, model number and energy ratings. It should also outline the paperwork and permits needed for the project. For permits here, see Florida HVAC permits. For license checks and the records to keep, see what to expect from a heat pump installation.

ENERGY STAR says many utilities offer incentives for certified heat pumps, so check with your local utility. The U.S. Department of Energy says tax credits, incentives and rebates may be available in your area. If you are comparing bids, see how to compare HVAC replacement quotes.

What is different in Florida

UF/IFAS Extension says that, because of the heat and humidity, most Florida residents rely on air conditioning for comfort and for lower humidity. It says the size, efficiency, and placement of an air conditioning system, therefore, are all important. For more, see heat pumps in Florida.

ENERGY STAR's 2009 guide also says it is a good idea to research options before your current system breaks. That way you can make an informed decision if you need to act quickly.