How long does your heat pump last?

How long does your heat pump last?

Heat pumps are built to safely and reliably deliver heat and hot water year after year. But eventually the day comes when the heat pump has to be replaced.

The heat pump makes its greatest contribution in winter. But how do you know when it is time to replace it? The life span of a heat pump is about 15–20 years. They can go longer if they are not running at maximum. But there are also some questions to ask to determine if the pump is starting to fail.


Here are eight questions to find out if your heat pump is about to give out: 

  1. How old is the pump? 
  2. How often has it been running?
  3. Has electricity consumption increased recently?
  4. Does the immersion heater need to run more often? 
  5. Is the heat pump starting to show alarms? 
  6. Are there any other recent problems with the heating system?
  7. How do the elements and hot water work compared to before? 
  8. Does the heat pump sound different than before?

If you are not sure if your old heat pump is still up to standard, we recommend that you hire an installer for a service visit. They will look at your heat pump's performance and functions, and check whether everything is working in the best possible way.

 

Based on the visit, you can decide whether it is financially beneficial to continue servicing and repairing — or if it's time to replace your heat pump with a new, more efficient one.

Benefits of switching to a new heat pump

Don't forget to think long-term when making your decision. Are you going to make expansions? Are there plans to add to the family? These are important questions to consider.

How does the replacement actually work?

You can save both money and energy by investing in a new, modern solution. Today's heat pumps are more efficient and have smarter features than previous models.

If you've decided to utilise your existing borehole, installation is easy. Since the CTC GSi series, for example, has automatic borehole adaptation, you don't need to drill a new one.

In practice, you remove the old ground source heat pump and connect the new one.

If you have an air-to-water heat pump, it is usually just as easy to change, but sometimes it may be necessary to change the indoor module as well. If this is the case, your CTC installer will solve this.

Examples of replacement pumps

Speed-controlled and high efficiency, for example, make the CTC GSi ground source heat pump and the air/water heat pumps in the CTC EcoAir 600M and CTC EcoAir 700M series some of CTC's best heat pumps.

The new CTC GSi 608 is a state-of-the-art and high-performance ground source heat pump that automatically adapts to your existing borehole. The CTC GSi 8 is perfect for the smaller home when changing to a new heat pump.

CTC EcoAir 600M is a series of ultra-efficient, speed-controlled air-to-water heat pumps that automatically adapt to the heating needs of houses, properties or small industrial premises during the year. This means that you will always achieve maximum savings.

CTC EcoAir 700M is a range of variable speed air-to-water heat pumps with a stylish design and advanced technology that adapts to the needs of the house all year round. With environmentally friendly refrigerant and energy efficiency class A+++, these pumps offer both heating and cooling.

Read more
You can find further useful information on how to switch to a heat pump here.
For more advice and help in making the right decision, contact your nearest CTC Partner.‬

Questions and answers

How long does a geothermal heat pump last?
A geothermal heat pump typically has a lifespan of around 20–25 years, equivalent to up to 100,000 operating hours under normal use. The borehole itself can last over 100 years, making it a long-term investment. Unlike other heat pumps, geothermal systems are exposed to more stable temperatures, which reduces wear and tear. This makes geothermal heating both durable and efficient over time.

How long does an air-to-water heat pump last?
An air-to-water heat pump usually lasts about 15–20 years, roughly 60,000–80,000 operating hours. Since it is installed outdoors, its lifespan is more affected by weather compared to geothermal systems. Regular maintenance can help maximize both longevity and efficiency.

How long does a ground-source heat pump last?
A ground-source heat pump has a lifespan of about 20–25 years, similar to a geothermal pump, but with some differences. The collector pipe is shallower than in geothermal systems and is more affected by seasonal temperature changes, which can cause slightly more wear. On the plus side, ground-source systems don’t require drilling, which can simplify installation. With proper sizing and maintenance, the lifespan can be optimized for many years of energy-efficient operation.

How long does an air heat pump last?
An air heat pump, especially an air-to-air type, typically lasts around 10–15 years depending on climate and usage. Being fully exposed to outdoor conditions, it generally experiences more wear than air-to-water or geothermal systems. Its lifespan also depends on how often it is used for heating and cooling. Regular filter changes and service are essential to keep it running as long as possible.

How do I know if my heat pump needs to be replaced?
Signs that your heat pump may be wearing out include more frequent use of the electric heater, repeated error alerts, reduced heating or hot water performance, unusual noises, or temperatures that don’t match your settings. Frequent repairs are also a clear signal. If you’re unsure whether your heat pump is still performing well, it’s recommended to have a technician carry out a service visit. They will check its performance and functions and ensure everything is working optimally.

How does the age of a heat pump affect its performance in winter?
An older heat pump has reduced efficiency. Temperatures may fluctuate, airflow can weaken, and you may notice that the air feels colder or warmer than the settings.

Can I do anything to extend the lifespan of my heat pump?
Yes! Most heat pumps require minimal maintenance, but your manual will include specific recommendations for optimal care. Some tasks, like regularly cleaning the filters, can be done yourself. Other maintenance may require a technician every two to three years.

What is the general lifespan of a heat pump?
A heat pump generally lasts about 15 to 20 years. Its lifespan depends on factors such as usage intensity, cleaning, and maintenance.

Updated: 2025-11-04

Published: 2024-05-06