Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a versatile, cost-effective way to heat and cool your Texas home. However, when your older heat pump refuses to turn on or starts making strange sounds, you might wonder whether it’s time to replace the whole thing or if it’s worth it to call an expert to fix the issue.  

It can be difficult to pinpoint the perfect time to get a new system. Keep reading for tips on how to determine if you need heat pump repair or to replace the whole system. 

Common Heat Pump Problems: What Could Be Wrong?

Here are the most common heat pump problems and what could be causing them.

Not blowing cold air

If your heat pump is not cooling the air, it may be due to a faulty thermostat, dirty or clogged filters, dirty outdoor coils, or many other issues. 

Won’t turn on

If the heat pump’s not turning on, it may be a power issue. Other causes include a faulty circuit breaker, a bad power switch, or a serious electrical problem. Sometimes, a clogged filter or dirty interior can cause the heat pump to overheat. 

Smells or sounds strange

If your heat pump smells musty, it could be due to mold. You can have this issue fixed with a deep cleaning by an HVAC pro. 

A burning or fishy odor indicates a more serious problem, such as burning wires, melting plastic, an overheated motor, or other serious electrical concerns. Turn the heat pump off immediately and call an expert if you smell a burning or fishy odor. 

Inconsistent heating and cooling 

If some rooms are too hot or cold, you might have a blocked vent, poor insulation placement, or short cycling system. Overtime, these issues can overwork your heat pump, causing your parts to wear down prematurely. Whatever the cause, your old heat pump has stopped working efficiently and might need replacing. 

Short cycling

If your heat pump is short-cycling — turning on and off quickly without thoroughly heating or cooling the room — you may have a dirty filter, a frozen evaporator coil, electrical issues, or a refrigerant leak.

If you notice any of these problems, contact the HVAC pros at Amarillo. We’ll diagnose the issue and go over possible solutions before getting to work. 

When To Repair Your Heat Pump: Key Considerations

Consider having your heat pump repaired if:

• It’s still working, just not as well as it used to.
• It hasn’t had a tune-up in a long time.
• It only requires small or inexpensive repairs.
• It’s under 15 years old. 

In these cases, it may be worth having it fixed by an HVAC professional instead of installing a new system. Amarillo Air Conditioning offers all heat pump services, including repair.

Regular maintenance can help keep your older heat pump running efficiently throughout its lifespan. Join our Home Comfort Plan and receive two preventative maintenance HVAC services a year, along with benefits like:

• Discounts on repairs
• Priority service times
• Waived overtime charges
• Automatic service-time notifications
• And more

When To Replace Your Heat Pump: Is It Time for an Upgrade?

The current cost of repairs is the biggest factor to consider when deciding to upgrade your heat pump. If your heat pump has stopped working and the repair costs are too high or the work is too extensive, you may be better off replacing the unit. Installing a new heat pump saves you the stress of constant service calls and tossing your money into an ever-growing pit of repair costs. 

It’s also important to consider the age of your unit. The average heat pump has a lifespan of around 15 years, depending on maintenance and upkeep. If your heat pump is older than 15 years and showing signs of serious wear and tear, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. 

Benefits of Replacing vs. Repairing Your Heat Pump

As an Amarillo, TX, homeowner, you likely have the AC set high during the summer months to counteract the 90+ temperatures and the heat pumping when the winter cold fronts blow in from the northern plains states. Your HVAC system works hard year-round, so you’ll need an efficient, convenient heat pump that can easily handle any temperature. 

Purchasing a new heat pump comes with benefits like:

• More consistent heating and cooling
• Convenient, programmable technology
• Better energy efficiency (a modern heat pump can reduce your electricity use for heating by around 65%)

Call Amarillo Air Conditioning Today

Amarillo Air Conditioning is proud to serve the communities of Amarillo and Canyon areas, including Timbercreek, Canyon, Claude, Bushland, Lake Tanglewood, and more. We offer services like:

• Air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance
• Heater repair, installation, and maintenance
• Filter replacement
• Indoor air quality services
• And more

We care about upholding our reputation as trustworthy, professional techs. We treat our customers with respect and our HVAC contractors have all the required training and insurance, so you can have peace of mind as we work in your home.

To schedule heat pump service with Amarillo Air Conditioning, contact us by phone or book your appointment using our handy self-serve online scheduling service. Our business hours are 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and we also offer 24/7 emergency service you can count on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if your heat pump is going bad?

If your heat pump stops working, shows visible rust or damage, starts short cycling, raises your energy bills, or has frozen coils, these are common signs that it needs repairs or even replacement soon.

How often do heat pumps need to be cleaned?

Most heat pumps, especially those that run year-round, require monthly filter checks and a yearly maintenance service call. A professional will ensure the interior parts are clean and in good repair.