At least once a week, Endless Energy’s heat pump specialists are asked “How long is this thing actually going to last?” by Massachusetts homeowner considering switching to heat pumps.
It’s a fair question — because a heat pump isn’t a small purchase (in fact HVAC purchases are in the top 3 largest purchases a homeowner will make working on their home!). Finding the right heating and cooling system is an investment in your comfort, your energy bills, and your carbon footprint. So let’s explore this question so all customers are better educated about what to expect from their heat pump system.
The Short Answer: 12 to 20 Years (But That’s Not the Whole Story)
Most modern heat pumps are designed to last 12–20 years. In fact many manufacturers like Mitsubishi and LG offer 12 year equipment warranties. But here in Massachusetts, we throw some real curveballs at HVAC systems:
Frigid winter temps. According to CityRating.com we have 121 days on average below 32 degrees!
Coastal areas on the North Shore and South Shore present challenges for HVAC due to salt in the air. Salt can wear out the heat pump coil if not properly maintained and coasted annually.
Snow drifts that can bury your outdoor condenser. Even though heat pumps should always be installed with foots or stands at least 12 inches off the ground, occassionally they can still get buried by a snow drift. Luckly their defrost feature helps prevent freezing up, but this can work the system harder.
So while 12–15 years is typical, we’ve seen well-maintained systems last 18+ years — and poorly installed ones fail in under 10 (In fact we have replaced 3 year old heat pump systems that were poorly installed by other Massachusetts HVAC contractors).
Real Lifespan Data from Endless Energy’s Service History
At Endless Energy, we’ve tracked performance data on thousands of systems across Massachusetts installed since 2012 (including many not installed by us). Here’s what we’ve found:
| Heat Pump Type | Avg Lifespan (Properly Maintained) | Avg Lifespan (Poor Maintenance) |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless Mini Split | 15–20 years | 8–12 years |
| Central Ducted Heat Pump | 12–17 years | 7–10 years |
| Hybrid Systems | 13–18 years | 9–12 years |
The #1 Factor? Quality of Installation
We can’t stress this enough: how well your system is installed matters more than the brand. At Endless Energy, we’ve replaced plenty of high-end systems from premiere brands like Mitsubishi that were installed incorrectly and burned out early.
Common install issues that shorten a heat pump’s life:
Oversized or undersized system (causing short cycling). This is why we use Conduit to ensure a technology driven Manual J and Manual S that ensures accuracy in design.
Bad duct design or no duct sealing. We let you know if your ducts need to be modified or replaced. We get it – it’s expensive and something you may not want to do and we often have customers decline recommendations. However your system won’t run properly and it will wear on your system over time. So keep in mind opting not to make duct alterations may cost you more in the long run!
Improper refrigerant charge. Every heat pump system comes with a certain amount of refrigerant in it, but often based on the length of the copper piping (“line set”) that is used we need to add what is called a “trim charge” to the system. Under or over charging refrigerant for a heat pump system can lead to both under performance and a shortened lifespan for your system.
Condensate drainage issues. If your system is not draining correctly due to a clog in the line (this would generally be caught in a preventative maintenance), it can cause major mold issues that could impact the life of a mini split – not to mention create smells you don’t want to live with!
No raised stand for the outdoor unit. We’ve seen some contractors cut corners and not use a 12 inch stand or 18 inch stand when called for. This is a huge mistake as your heat pump system will turn into an ice block overtime as it defrosts only to sit in a frozen puddle under it!
- Skipping a snow guard: This is an optional feature to add onto outdoor units, but a snow guard sits on top of a heat pump and prevents pile up on the top of the unit. It’s a relatively inexpensive add-on (generally less than $500) that you can opt that could give you an extra few years on your heat pump system.
How to Make Your Heat Pump Last Longer
Here’s what we recommend if you want to keep your system running like new:
✅ Annual Tune-Ups: Yes, every year. Just like your car or going to the doctors.
✅ Change Filters Quarterly: Or more often with pets or allergies. If you have a mini split heat pump make sure you wash the internal filter.
✅ Clear Snow & Ice from Outdoor Units: Especially after Nor’easters.
✅ Don’t Crank the Thermostat Up and Down Constantly: Let it run steadily. “Set it and forget it” is the phrase to remember!!
Red Flags Your Heat Pump May Be Near the End
If your heat pump is 10+ years old, watch out for:
Rising electric usage. While price fluctuate, keep an eye on overall usage. You could also install energy monitoring devices.
System running constantly or short cycling. Have you noticed a change in how long your heat pump system is running? This is a sign that something has changed!
Frequent repair calls. This is pretty self-explanatory. If you have an older heat pump system that has functioned well for ten years, but all of the sudden is requiring 2-3 service calls a year, it’s probably coming to the end of its life.
Strange noises, especially from the outdoor unit. This is a sign of mechanical issues with the outdoor unit. While it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to replace the system, it definitely means you need to call for service and repairs.
The Bottom Line
A properly installed and maintained heat pump can deliver 15+ years of quiet, clean, efficient comfort — even through Massachusetts winters.
But if your system is aging or acting up, let us take a look. Our expert heat pump techs can help you figure out if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to explore a newer, more efficient option (and rebates).
Need help with a heat pump repair or ready to talk heat pump replacement?
👉 Schedule your no-cost consultation with Endless Energy today
👉Give us a call to schedule heat pump repairs or heat pump maintenance (508) 233-8462
