How long does a heat pump last?

A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of the house. In winter it moves heat in. The same compressor, coils and fan do both jobs, so the equipment works through seasons when an AC-only system sits idle.

It also has parts an AC does not, such as the reversing valve and defrost controls. More run time and more parts mean more opportunities for wear. The heat pump guide explains how the system works and what commonly goes wrong.

ENERGY STAR suggests you consider replacement when a heat pump is more than 10 years old. It gives the same figure for air conditioners. Read it as the age to begin comparing repair costs with the cost and efficiency of a new unit. A heat pump that is heating and cooling well at that age does not need to be replaced on schedule.

We have not found a public source for an average heat pump lifespan that we can cite, so this page does not quote one. Any single figure would also hide the wide gap between a unit in a mild climate and one that runs hard all year.

• Climate. Long, hot summers or long, cold winters add run hours. Very cold weather also adds defrost cycles.
• Wrong size. An oversized unit starts and stops often. An undersized one runs almost without a break.
• Restricted airflow. Dirty filters, dirty coils and blocked vents raise operating pressures.
• Refrigerant leaks. A low charge makes the compressor work harder and can ruin it.
• Snow, ice and debris. An outdoor unit buried in snow or leaves cannot move air.
• Coastal air. Salt corrodes the outdoor coil.

Change the filter on schedule. Keep vents and registers open. Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, snow and anything stacked against it. Check the condensate drain line and pan for clogs.

Light frost on the outdoor coil in winter is normal, and the unit clears it with a defrost cycle. A unit encased in ice is a fault. Turn it off and call a technician. Do not chip the ice away.

Refrigerant checks, electrical tests and anything behind a panel are for a licensed technician. Refrigerant work requires EPA Section 608 certification.

• Repairs are more frequent and energy bills are rising. ENERGY STAR lists this pair as a reason to replace.
• The backup heat runs much more than it used to.
• Some rooms are too hot or too cold, or the house feels humid in summer.
• The system has become noisy.
• The compressor or reversing valve has failed after the warranty ended.

When a large repair meets an older unit, the repair or replace calculator scores age, the repair quote and repair history together.