How long does a heat pump really last — and when is it worthwhile to replace it? Anyone who uses modern heating technology wants reliable and efficient heating over the long term. But lifespan depends on more than just the device itself. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the lifespan of a heat pump.

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How long does a heat pump last?

The average lifespan of a heat pump is 15 to 25 years. Air-water heat pumps usually last 15 to 20 years, while brine and water-water heat pumps often last 20 to 25 years. Quality, correct design, maintenance and operating conditions are decisive for the service life.

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Lifetime of individual components

The most important components of a heat pump last for different lengths of time: The compressor usually has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, the fans around 10 to 15 years and the control electronics around 10 to 15 years. Geothermal probes or brine pipes can even last 50 years or longer.

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What factors influence lifespan?

The lifetime of a heat pump depends on several technical and operational factors. The most important influencing factors are:

• Heat pump type: Air-water heat pumps are more susceptible to weather than ground or groundwater heat pumps.
• Quality of components: High-quality components significantly increase the service life.
• Professional planning: An exact Heat load calculation prevents over or underdimensioning.
• mode of operation: Frequent cycling loads the compressor and shortens the service life.
• Regular maintenance: Cleaning, testing and, if necessary, replacement of wear parts are crucial.
• installation location: Outdoor units age faster due to weather conditions.
• user behavior: Too high flow temperatures or continuous operation can stress the system.

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Signs of wear or imminent failure

Signs of wear or imminent failure of a heat pump are usually obvious and should not be ignored. Typical tips include:

• Increased power consumption despite consistent heating output
• Unusual noises such as rattling, humming or grinding
• Common faults or error messages on the display
• Extended warm-up times or uneven heat distribution
• Refrigerant leakage or visible leaks
• Vibration or running problems with the compressor or ventilator

If such symptoms occur, a specialist company should check the system promptly.

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Replacing or repairing a heat pump?

A heat pump should be repaired if it is less than 10 years old and repair costs remain low. It is worthwhile to replace devices aged 15 to 20 years if major damage occurs or new models work significantly more efficiently. Modern heat pumps often offer better performance and lower energy consumption.

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Is repairing an old heat pump worthwhile?

Repairing an old heat pump is usually only worthwhile if the device is under 10 years old and there is a minor defect. Repairing older systems aged 15 and over is often not cost-effective, as wear and reduced efficiency increase operating costs. In such cases, an exchange is usually the better solution in the long term.

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With 5,000€ repair costs for the old system, the effective investment in a new heat pump is reduced to 10,000€. The savings in current electricity costs thus ensure payback after around 15 years — without any funding. At the same time, you benefit from greater comfort, fewer disruptions and greater future security.

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What happens after 20 years of operation?

After 20 years of operation, a heat pump is technically obsolete, less efficient and more susceptible to faults. Power consumption increases frequently and spare parts are often difficult to obtain. Replacing it with a modern model reduces operating costs and increases efficiency.

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How can the lifespan be extended?

The life of a heat pump can be significantly extended in everyday life if the system is operated gently and regularly monitored. These measures help:

• Hydraulic balancing carry out: A correctly adjusted heating system prevents unnecessary stress and ensures efficient operation.
• Smart heat pump control: With intelligent thermostats and time programs, running times can be optimized and cycles reduced.
• Check operating data regularly: A look at flow temperatures, run times and power consumption shows deviations or efficiency losses at an early stage.
• Replace wear parts in good time: Smaller components such as pumps or sensors should be replaced before they cause major damage.
• Protect the system from the effects of weather: A simple protective roof over the outdoor unit can significantly reduce aging due to rain, snow and UV radiation.

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Maintenance extends the lifespan

Regular maintenance is crucial for a long life of the heat pump. It ensures trouble-free operation, early detection of wear and consistently high efficiency. Specialized companies check central components, clean heat exchangers and filters and adjust the control system optimally. If you act early, you can prevent expensive repairs and avoid failures in winter.

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autarc: Your partner for efficient planning of heat pumps — find out more now!

Rely on quality and expertise when planning and installing heat pump systems. With our Heat pump check receive comprehensive support so that you can implement your projects efficiently and sustainably. Contact us today and benefit from our expert knowledge!

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