How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

In general, the average life expectancy of a heat pump is 10 to 15 years, depending on a wide variety of factors. A ductless mini-split heat pump can last 10 to 30 years depending on the same variables.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest factors that can affect an electric heat pump’s longevity.

You’ve heard the phrase “You get what you pay for.” It’s true. Investing in a quality home comfort system from a trusted manufacturer will go a long way toward extending the lifespan of your heat pump. Look for industry-leading warranties as well. Longer warranties mean the company stands behind its products.

For example, the phrase “It’s hard to stop a Trane” was chosen for a reason. With proper maintenance, we know from personal experience of Trane heat pumps that have lasted for 25 years!

If you’re in the market for a new air source heat pump, it’s equally important to hire an HVAC contractor with lots of experience designing and installing heat pump systems, including ductless HVAC systems, if that’s what you need. Not every HVAC company (especially in northern states) has a lot of experience with these systems.

Make sure the HVAC company does a thorough evaluation and runs the Manual J calculation for proper HVAC sizing and checks to see if your ductwork needs to be sealed or upgraded.

An improperly sized unit and/or shoddy installation can drastically reduce a heat pump’s efficiency and lifespan. 

Learn how to choose the best HVAC contractor for the job.

Just like regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks on your vehicle can keep it running better and running longer, heat pump maintenance can help your system run more efficiently and potentially give it a longer lifespan. In contrast, neglecting DIY and professional maintenance can cause your heat pump to be less efficient and break down sooner.

Your heat pump works hard to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By keeping up with air filter maintenance you can prevent a lot of problems. Change standard HVAC air filters every 1-3 months depending on the quality of the filter. Clean the reusable mini-split filters as recommended.  If you have an air purification system, you may need to replace the air cleaner insert every 6 months or clean the unit. 

Trane heat pumps are premium heating and cooling systems that perform best with regular maintenance. A well-maintained unit may last longer than a poorly-maintained unit. Schedule heat pump service visits for each fall and each spring. Be sure to hire an HVAC company with expertise in heat pumps or ductless mini-split systems.

If you live in a mild climate, that generally means less wear and tear on your heat pump, potentially helping it last longer. Extreme heat or prolonged cold can put extra strain on the system, potentially shortening its lifespan. 

Your usage patterns also play a role. If you like to keep your house like an icebox in the summer, the heat pump will work harder and longer. And if you like to wear T-shirts and shorts around the house when it’s 45 degrees outside, you may keep your house warmer than if you wore jeans and a sweater. 

Consider changing your habits so that the indoor temperature is closer to the outdoor temperature and you can reduce the strain on your heat pump, potentially helping it last longer. If you live in a colder climate you can also consider a dual-fuel heat pump system where you pair the heat pump with a furnace that takes over the heating duties in colder temperatures.

As your heat pump ages, its performance will generally decrease. But age is not a reason to replace your heat pump if it’s working satisfactorily. Just keep in mind that once a heat pump is more than 10 years old, it’s out of the warranty period and repairs may cost you more.

Think about replacing a heat pump if any of these is true.

• The heat pump has decreased heating or cooling performance.
• It has frequent breakdowns or needs more frequent and expensive repairs.
• You have rising utility bills without a rate increase or increase in usage.

If all three of these things are happening, start planning now for system replacement.

If your heat pump is more than 13 years old or you’re having more frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacing your heat pump system. Check out our Repair or Replace Guide for some things to consider to help you make your decision.

If you currently have an aging furnace + air conditioner heating and cooling system but you’d like to opt for a more sustainable HVAC system and take advantage of heat pump rebates, a furnace-to-heat pump conversion is easy when you work with your local Trane dealer.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer

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