How Long Does a Heat Pump Last?

A well-maintained air source heat pump has an expected lifespan of 20-25 years, significantly longer than a gas boiler, which typically lasts 12-15 years.

The compressor is the main mechanical component, and modern compressors are designed to run for at least 20 years. Scroll compressors (used in most quality units) are particularly reliable because they have fewer moving parts than older reciprocating designs.

The outdoor fan and the circulation pump are the other moving parts that may eventually need replacement, typically after 10-15 years. These are relatively inexpensive to replace (£100-£300) and don't require specialist skills.

The refrigerant circuit is a sealed system that should never need topping up. If it does lose refrigerant, it usually indicates a leak that needs professional repair. This is uncommon with quality installations.

Annual servicing is recommended and typically costs £100-£200. A service visit includes checking refrigerant pressures, cleaning filters, inspecting the outdoor unit, testing safety controls, and checking system performance.

The manufacturers we work with, Daikin and Stiebel Eltron, offer warranties of 5-7 years as standard, and we extend this to a 15-year guarantee on the complete installation. This gives you total peace of mind for the long term.