How Long Do Heat Pumps Last in Oregon?

Most heat pumps last somewhere around 10 to 15 years, and a well-installed, well-maintained system can go longer. Because heat pumps run year round here, heating and cooling, they log more hours than a furnace that only runs in winter.

What shortens heat pump life here

• Poor installation. Wrong sizing, bad refrigerant charge or restricted ducts cause more early failures than anything else.
• Moisture and debris. Leaves, moss and standing water around the outdoor unit are a valley problem. Keep it raised and clear.
• Skipped maintenance. Dirty filters and coils make the system work harder every day.
• Coastal or industrial air. Salt and pollutants can corrode coils faster.

Signs it's time to replace

• It's 12 to 15 years old and needs a major repair
• It uses older refrigerant that's getting expensive to service
• Bills keep climbing and comfort keeps dropping
• Repairs are becoming a yearly event
• It's noisy and can't keep up during heat waves

The 50 percent rule

A common rule of thumb: if a repair costs more than half the price of a new system and the unit is past the middle of its life, replace it.

Thinking about it? Get a replacement quote or read what drives heat pump pricing.