Heat Pump Problems? 7 Signs It’s Time to Replace It

April 13, 2025

Your heat pump is essential for keeping your home comfortable year-round; however, like any system, it won’t last forever. Over time, your unit will face wear and tear and become outdated, leading to inefficiency issues that affect your comfort and energy bills. It’s important to recognize signs that it’s time for a replacement, ensuring that comfort, safety, and balanced energy bills are restored. Below, we discuss top indicators that it might be time to upgrade your heat pump.

HVAC technician repairing a heat pump outside a home

Your Home Isn’t Comfortable

If your home feels too hot or cold or experiences uneven climate control, it could indicate issues with your heat pump’s performance. Properly installed equipment is essential for maintaining consistent temperature, balancing humidity levels, and promoting healthy indoor air quality. An outdated or poorly installed system can struggle to keep up, leading to discomfort and higher energy bills. Consider upgrading to a correctly sized and professionally installed unit if you’re experiencing comfort issues at home.

Your Heat Pump Is Over 10 Years Old

Every appliance in your home has a typical lifespan, including heat pumps. Generally, the average lifespan of a heat pump is 10 years; after this, it starts to lose efficiency. If your existing unit is older than 10 years in age, you may already notice inefficiencies, including decreased airflow and uneven temperature distribution. If this is the case for you, it’s time to consider an upgrade.

Your Utility Bills Are Going Up

As an aging unit loses peak performance, it will have to work harder to keep up with your heating and cooling demands; because of this, you’ll end up spending more on monthly utility costs. To prevent this, upgrading to a new model will restore efficiency and keep energy costs at bay.

Your Heat Pump Uses R-22 Refrigerant

R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, is being phased out due to environmental regulations. As a result, R-22 is becoming increasingly expensive to replace. If yours uses R-22 refrigerant and leaks or needs a recharge, the cost can be significantly higher than a newer system with up-to-date refrigerant. Upgrading to a modern unit can save you money in the long run and ensure compliance with current standards.

Your System Needs Frequent Repairs & Costly Fixes

If your HVAC system constantly needs repairs, it may be time to consider replacement. In many instances, including compressor replacements and evaporator coil issues, repair costs are not worth it, especially if your unit is older. Upgrading to a new unit is likely more cost-effective and reliable than settling for frequent repairs.

Your Home Has High Humidity

If your home is hot and humid during the summer despite your heat pump in regular operation, something is probably wrong with your unit. Your system may be aging or improperly sized, deeming it unable to adequately remove excess moisture and cool your air, which is important in the fluctuating Ohio climate. A heat pump upgrade will restore temperature and humidity control.

Your Heat Pump Is Too Big or Small

It’s crucial to have a properly sized heat pump for maximum performance. If it’s too large, it may cool or heat the space too quickly without properly dehumidifying, leading to heightened moisture levels and frequent cycling that wears out the system faster. If it’s too small, it will struggle to keep up with your cooling demands and will likely run constantly, racking up energy bills.

Replace Your Heat Pump With Rick’s

Rick’s Heating & Cooling is the top resource for heat pump services in Morrow and the suburbs of Cincinnati. In business since 1986 and incorporated in 2005, we have years of experience in the industry, giving us the tools and knowledge we need to handle every project with precision and quality workmanship. We offer 24/7 emergency services and free estimates on replacement quotes, and our BBB-accredited company are experts you can trust.

At Rick’s Heating & Cooling, we treat customers like family. See the Rick’s difference today by scheduling services with our trusted team!