Clean Heat Blog
In-depth answers to your most common questions about Heat Pumps.
Everything to know before you start your installation.
How to Make Your Heat Pump Last Heat Pumps, or any other HVAC system, is going to be one of the most expensive products within your Massachusetts home. With the high cost of a heater or air conditioner, with that high cost comes the obvious question, “How do I make my HVAC system last?” Luckily, we at Modern Energy have been working on Heat Pumps around Massachusetts for years, and are here to share some tips. How Long Does a Heat Pump Last? Generally, 12-15 years in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has harsh winters with snow and below freezing temperatures and while heat pumps work below freezing, it is still hard on the system. This number increases a little if you are further south but only by a year or two. Additionally, living near the ocean can decrease the lifespan of your system without yearly maintenance as the salt in the air can weaken the system. This salt can be cleaned out at a yearly cleaning and will not cause any long term problems. Installation of a Heat Pump Installation is arguably the most important factor in how long a heat pump will last. A bad installation sets your system up for failure and it could need to be replaced in just a few years. You can avoid this issue by using an installer that is certified and trusted. Ask friends, look online, or Google the company to see if they are certified with the state or any specific brands such as Fujitsu. What to Expect During a Heat Pump Insulation When your appointment comes, it will be an all day affair. However, for a single-zone system it should last only a single day unless there are complications. Multi-zone installations may take multiple days. The installation is split into four steps: Preparation Electrical and Duct Work Installation Calibration Preparation is when the technician clears the space and gets all of the gear in order. This often involves moving boxes and potentially a previous HVAC system. Electrical and duct work is generally the most variable in terms of time. Some heat pumps are ductless and so no duct work is needed, and some houses have simple electrical plans while others are very complex. Next is when the indoor components of the heat pump system are brought into the house and are put together and set up, then the same for the outdoor components. Last, is when the technician takes some time to make sure the system is working and that there are no problems. Once the technician gives you the all clear, your new heat pump is ready to go! How Can I Make My Heat Pump Last Longer? Regular maintenance: Similar to your own body, your HVAC system should have a yearly check up just to make sure everything is running smoothly. Clear Snow: The outdoor components should be built on blocks at least a foot off the ground, but if it snows over a foot, clear the snow around the system a bit. The snow can get sucked inside the system and make it work a lot harder to keep the desired temperature. Don’t constantly change the temperature it is set to: The same way that constantly speeding up and slowing down a car uses more gas, constantly changing the desired temperature makes your heat pump use more electricity and puts more stress on the system. The goal should be to leave the thermostat alone as much as you can. Get good insulation: Insulation keeps the air in your home inside. This allows your system to put in less work to keep your home at the desired temperature and will most likely keep your heat pump healthy for longer. Signs You May Need a New Heat Pump Age: If your system is pushing 20 years, it might be time to look into new options. Needs Constant Repairs: If you are having a repairman over more than three times a year, that is a strong sign that you need a replacement. Repairs can quickly get very expensive and sometimes it is better to cut your losses. Heating Bills Getting Higher: If your heating bills are increasing faster than the increase in electricity and the temperature is similar to the year before, this is a sign that your system is working harder than it should be to keep your house at the desired temperature. Not Hitting The Target Temperature: This is obviously a sign that the system is breaking, it means the system is unable to keep up with the desired temperature. (If this happens once on an unusually warm or cold day, it is not necessarily a sign that the system needs to be replaced.) Don’t be Afraid to Call You deserve to be comfortable. You deserve to have your questions answered respectfully. These are very complex and very important pieces of technology that our homes rely on. Every HVAC system faces unique challenges and it can lead to worries. For a HVAC company that will never make you feel bad for asking questions, call Modern Energy or check out more blogs on our website.
Which is Better: Heat Pump or Oil-Based Heating? Heat pumps and oil furnaces are two of the most common heating systems in Massachusetts, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Both can do a great job of keeping your home warm through the winter. At Modern Energy, we want to share some helpful facts to make it easier for you to decide which system is the better fit for your home. What is a Heat Pump? If you’re not familiar with heat pumps, you're not alone. They’re a newer technology in the HVAC world. A heat pump is an all-in-one system that provides both heating and cooling using electricity. It has two main components: an indoor air handler and an outdoor condenser, which are connected by a refrigerant line. The refrigerant moves heat from one place to another, depending on the season. In the winter, it brings heat into your home; in the summer, it removes heat to keep things cool. How Long Does a Heating System Last? Both heat pumps and oil furnaces last about the same amount of time, typically around 15 years. With regular maintenance and proper care, some systems can last even longer. But after 15 years, it’s common for repairs to become costly enough that replacing the system makes more sense financially. Are Heat Pumps Cheaper to Run Than Oil Heating? In many cases, yes. Heat pumps are generally cheaper to operate than oil-based heating. Oil is one of the more expensive fuel options, even though it’s reliable due to the amount stored on-site. Heat pumps do cost more to install upfront, which can make the total cost feel similar in the short term. But because they run on electricity, often more stable in price than oil—the long-term savings can really add up. Heat pumps are also more efficient than electric baseboard or radiator systems and cost about the same to operate as natural gas heating. Are Heat Pumps More Environmentally Friendly Than a Furnace? Yes, they are. Heat pumps produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than oil furnaces and carry fewer risks of environmental damage. Since they don’t burn fuel, there’s less chance of fire or carbon monoxide issues, making them a cleaner, safer choice for your home and the planet. So, Which is Better? Oil furnaces are still widely used and do their job well, but they rely on older technology and come with more safety and environmental risks. Heat pumps offer a modern alternative that’s safer, more efficient, and often more cost-effective to run. Plus, there are currently significant rebates and incentives available through Mass Save and federal programs that can reduce the cost of installation. To learn more about whether a heat pump is right for your home, call Modern Energy at 508-449-0449 or check out more resources on our website. With years of experience serving Massachusetts homeowners, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your comfort and budget.
