A series of studies of heat pump service life were performed in the early- to mid-1980s, beginning with a survey in Alabama in 1984 (Lovvorn and Hiller 1985; Pientka 1987; Bucher et al. 1990; Lovvorn and Hiller 1987). The current paper describes results of a follow-up heat pump life survey performed in Alabama in 1997, some 13 years after the original study. This follow-up survey was performed more than ten years after the original work, so equipment survival curves could be reexamined after a greater number of units had been replaced. Major findings of the current study include the following:
- Median heat pump service life in Alabama is approximately 20.5 years, which is nearly the same as in the 1984 study.
- Average age at replacement of units that had been replaced increased to 18.2 years, up from 13.5 years in the 1984 study—this increase was expected because a greater number of units have now been replaced and the survey population age has increased.
- Approximately 63% of units removed from service were still operational, up from slightly less than 50% in the 1984 study.
- Approximately 90% of sites still had heat pumps.
Citation: ASHRAE Transactions, vol. 108, pt. 2
Product Details
- Published:
- 2002
- Number of Pages:
- 6
- File Size:
- 1 file , 180 KB
- Product Code(s):
- D-8838
