Replacing your heat pump is a significant step that can improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and enhance home comfort. Knowing when and how to replace it is essential for maximizing these benefits. With insights from heat pump replacement experts, this guide walks you through the process.
When should you consider replacing your heat pump?
Changing the heat pump, whether electric or gas, may be motivated by the deterioration of the initial heating installation or by the desire to benefit from the advantages of a more recent model.
Replacing a faulty heat pump
The lifespan of a heat pump varies depending on the model, usage, and quality of maintenance. Here are the signs that should alert you!
Frequent breakdowns
As with a boiler, heat pump breakdowns can happen and do not necessarily indicate that the entire installation needs to be changed. Replacing certain components, such as the compressor or the expansion valve, can sometimes be enough to restart the machine.
However, if breakdowns and adjustment needs occur repeatedly, this may be a sign that your equipment is reaching the end of its life, especially if it has reached the average lifespan indicated at purchase. If in doubt, we advise you to ask your installer. This may save you from finding yourself without heating or hot water overnight!
A loss of efficiency
With constant settings, here are the changes that may indicate that your heat pump is reaching the end of its life:
- it doesn’t heat enough anymore;
- the water is lukewarm, even cold;
- the amount of the energy bill increases significantly.
Here it is well-recommended that you call upon a heat pump replacement professional, such as an expert from Alpha Mechanical, who can identify the causes of this loss of efficiency and provide you with a quote if replacement proves necessary.
An unusual noise
The sound volume of the heat pump can vary depending on the model. If you notice that it increases or decreases significantly, or that an unusual noise appears, this is a sign that something is wrong. You can carry out an initial visual check of your indoor and outdoor units, but the intervention of a professional is strongly recommended.
Other cases of replacing a heat pump
Changing your heat pump can have certain advantages, even when it is still working properly. To function optimally, the heat pump must be correctly sized. A 200 m² house does not require the same heating system as a small apartment!
Heat pump sizing: the risks
Undersizing a heat pump forces it to operate continuously. Conversely, if it is oversized, the heating cycles are shortened, which causes untimely stops and restarts. In both cases, energy consumption is abnormally high, and thermal comfort is degraded. This is why certain changes within the home may require the replacement of the heat pump:
- increase or decrease in the number of occupants in the accommodation
- installation of new radiators
- installation of underfloor heating
- removal of a boiler
- need air conditioning
- increase in living space
- carrying out insulation work
Choosing a more efficient model
To select a more efficient model, you can check:
- the coefficient of performance (COP) );
- the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) );
- seasonal annual thermal efficiency (STAE).
Generally speaking, it can be noted that the new heat pumps are more resistant to periods of ice. Whereas the old air-to-air and air-to-water heat pumps struggle to operate correctly below -5°C, the new heat pumps can cope with temperatures going beyond -20°C.
The desire for a more ecological solution
Since the appearance of the first heat pumps, manufacturers have sought to improve their performance while reducing their environmental impact. The evolution of refrigerants is a good example! This substance, whose role is to facilitate heat transfer, was particularly harmful in old heat pumps. We now use much more ecological fluids.
The need for a quieter model
Only aero-thermal heat pumps (air-water or air-air type) and reversible air conditioning systems are affected by this problem, as geothermal systems do not have an outdoor unit. However, brands have made great strides in improving acoustic comfort for consumers and are now marketing new models called ultra-quiet.
Some malicious companies do not hesitate to divert aid and bonuses intended to finance the installation of heat pumps or boilers.
How does a heat pump replacement work?
Replacing a heat pump: precautions
Firstly, it is important to specify that the replacement of heat pump equipment must be carried out by a qualified professional. Certain steps require real know-how, such as:
- recovery of refrigerant for destruction or recycling;
- checking the compatibility between the electrical installation and the power of the equipment to be installed.
Make sure to find heat pump replacement specialists with certification to benefit from the maximum assistance, bonuses, and guarantees for your heating system!
Replacing a heat pump: the steps
Although the steps may vary from one situation to another, the work to replace a heat pump generally proceeds as follows:
- carrying out a pre-visit to check feasibility and sizing;
- installation of the new outdoor unit;
- installation of the indoor unit or hydraulic module;
- installation of heating elements if they need to be replaced;
- commissioning.
It generally takes 2 to 3 days of work to change a heat pump, depending on the heat pump model and the type of housing. Installing a heat pump in an apartment does not require the same organization as an installation in an old house!
Replacing a heat pump: financing
The “heat pump for 1 euro” scheme, made possible by the tax credit for energy transition (CITE), no longer exists. However, it is still possible to reduce the cost of installing your new heat pump in your main residence as well as in your second home. You can benefit from financial aid, provided that you aim for higher energy efficiency and meet the eligibility conditions.
Aid available for air-to-air heat pumps:
- VAT rate reduced to 10%;
- CEE bonuses (Energy Saving Certificates);
- possible local or departmental aid.
Aid available for air-water heat pumps:
- VAT rate reduced to 5.5%;
- CEE bonuses (Energy Saving Certificates);
- zero-rate eco-loan.
To sum up
Replacing a heat pump requires careful planning and expert assistance to ensure proper installation and optimal performance. Consulting heat pump replacement experts can make the process seamless, helping you choose an efficient, eco-friendly model while accessing potential financial aid. Upgrade your heating system today for improved comfort, reduced costs, and greater energy efficiency!