Should you replace or repair your heat pump in Florida?
Tampa summers get hot, with many days where it's 90+ degrees outside. Add in a fair amount of humidity; the last thing you want is a heat pump system that only works sometimes.
If you're tired of dealing with high energy bills or days when your heat pump just doesn't seem to be working properly, you might be wondering, when should I repair my heat pump? Or maybe you've received larger repair bills and want to know when you should replace your heat pump.
To answer either question, you can count on the HVAC pros. In this blog, we’ll review:
At Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric, we treat you like family and give you our honest opinion and prices on heat pump repairs and replacement services. For fast and convenient scheduling, give us a call or schedule service online today.
You should repair your heat pump if it meets three conditions.
When your heat pump isn't working well, it's a clear sign that you need to contact an HVAC professional to get more information about your options. Should you ask about repairing your existing unit or installing a new one? Some of the most common heat pump repairs are covered under the manufacturer's warranty for many years after installation. Here are some things to keep in mind:
How often should you replace your heat pump? According to ENERGY STAR®, you should consider replacement options if your unit is over ten years old. Upgrading to a heat pump with higher efficiency could save you 20% or more on your monthly cooling costs. However, age isn't the only factor, and ten years might even be too long when it comes down to replacing a unit in Florida. Below, we've listed other factors that might make replacing your unit now more cost-effective.
Units will typically have their replacement parts covered entirely by valid manufacturer warranties, but you may still be responsible for paying the labor involved in repairs. With older units, common heat pump repairs include more expensive part replacements, such as the compressor or blower, making valid warranties vital for cost savings.
If you think your repair bills are starting to add up to the cost of a new unit, contact the Tampa HVAC pros at Red Cap Plumbing, Air & Electric to get a comprehensive inspection. We'll let you know whether or not it might be time to replace your unit.
While a heat pump typically lasts 10-15 years, that doesn't mean you should wait until then to replace it, especially one that has lasted through the Florida summers. ENERGY STAR® recommends replacing a heat pump at the 10-year mark, but it's a good idea to assess your unit when it turns eight. Most units start to lose their efficiency at that mark, especially if it does not have a high SEER rating. Earlier replacement of low-efficiency units typically pays for itself with lower operating bills.
A manufacturer's warranty can help keep your repair bills low. After all, these warranties typically cover all of the costs related to parts. Once the warranty expires, you pay for both parts and labor any time something goes wrong, which can quickly add up to the cost of a new unit over a year or two.
When you properly maintain your heat pump, you can keep it running optimally for as long as possible, but you will see efficiency losses over time. Even if you see your energy consumption is staying pretty stable, you might still be able to save on your monthly bill with a newer, more efficient unit. Newer heat pumps might save you anywhere from 30% to 50% in energy usage, including savings on your heating bill. As of 2023, you'll want to find a heat pump with a minimum SEER rating of 15. You can also install a unit with a 20 or above SEER rating.
When everything seems ok with your heat pump, but your house feels warmer or colder than normal, it can be a sign to consider replacing your unit. Keep an ear out for new or loud noises that happen whenever the heat pump kicks on or for changes in humidity levels. A nonstop running heat pump is another sign that it can be struggling to handle the Tampa heat.
Depending on the age of your heat pump and the other factors noted above, uneven temperatures may be enough reason to consider replacing it with a new, more energy-efficient option.
Contact the skilled technicians at Red Cap Plumbing & Air for an efficient heat pump repair.
Contact the cooling pros at Red Cap Plumbing & Air. We know that even a day without air conditioning can be a major problem for our Tampa customers, which is why we are laser-focused on delivering fast and reliable service, guaranteed. Give us a call or schedule service online today to schedule a consultation for a heat pump replacement or repair.