June 17, 2025, 4:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Heat pumps are currently in high demand and have become standard in new buildings. However, this heating technology has some peculiarities. Many people are now wondering, before making a potential investment, how long a heat pump actually lasts. myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert for insights.
Modern heat pumps can efficiently heat buildings. But how long do these devices actually last? And what factors affect their lifespan? In this article, we take a closer look at the durability of heat pumps and what can be done to maintain their efficiency over the years.
How Long Do Heat Pumps Last
“The more moving parts a heat pump has, the shorter its lifespan,” explains energy expert Ramona Mittag from the Consumer Advice Center NRW. This is especially true for air-to-water heat pumps, as they use a large fan. Mittag estimates an average lifespan of about 15 years for these. Other types, such as brine-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps, experience less wear and tear. For these, Mittag cites a lifespan of around 20 years.
Read more: Types of Heat Pumps and How They Work
Do You Have to Replace the Entire Unit?
After 15 or 20 years, some heat pumps may no longer be as effective or functional. However, the expert explains that you don’t necessarily have to replace the entire unit. There is also the option to replace defective parts, allowing the system to continue operating.
Mittag adds another factor that limits the lifespan of heat pumps. Specifically, this concerns water-to-water heat pumps and the wells used to tap groundwater. These may also eventually become less effective, as water quality is not consistently high and groundwater levels are dropping. “You should inform yourself about the groundwater level in advance,” the consumer advocate advises. “It’s better to drill a bit deeper and get good advice!”
How Can the Lifespan Be Extended?
“Modern devices are inherently low-maintenance,” the expert explains. They also operate “modulating” and need to cycle less. What does that mean? “Older systems either run at full throttle or not at all.” However, with modulating systems, it’s a bit different. “They only run at the power I need,” Mittag explains. “The less frequently I ramp them up or down, the longer the lifespan.”
Modulating devices are now available for all types of heat pumps. Since wear and tear is particularly high with the popular air-to-water units, consumers should pay attention to this. Even if the buffer tank is well-designed, the heat pump needs to cycle less, which also benefits its longevity.
Also interesting: Do You Really Need Underfloor Heating for a Heat Pump?
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What’s Next?
“We expect to be faster in repairs in the future, as components and assemblies can simply be replaced in defective devices,” the consumer advocate explains. “Additionally, consumers will benefit from having more experienced specialist companies in the future, which will repair the systems more cheaply, quickly, and easily,” she predicts.