Should I Upgrade My Older Heat Pump?

What Oregon Homeowners Need to Know About Aging Systems and Modern Replacements

If your heat pump is 15, 20, or even 25 years old, you’re not alone. We regularly hear from homeowners across the Hillsboro and Portland metro area with aging heat pumps that are still technically working—but not working well. Maybe your system struggles to keep up in the winter, runs constantly in the summer, or simply can’t keep your home comfortable anymore.

So the big question is: should you repair it one more time, or is it finally time to upgrade? Here’s what you need to know to make a smart, informed decision.

How Long Should a Heat Pump Last?

With proper maintenance, most heat pumps have a lifespan of around 15 years. If yours is 20 years old or more, it’s far past its prime—especially when you consider the advancements in technology and efficiency that have happened in that time.

Even if it still turns on and runs, it’s likely using more energy than necessary, providing uneven comfort, and may be costing you more than you think in energy bills and repair costs.

Signs Your Heat Pump Is Nearing the End

Here are some of the most common signs your older heat pump is on its way out:

• • Inconsistent heating and cooling – Hot upstairs, cold downstairs, or constantly adjusting the thermostat.
  • High energy bills – Older systems run longer and harder to produce the same results.
  • Frequent repairs – If you’ve called for service more than once in the last year, that’s a red flag.
  • Loud operation – Grinding, buzzing, or rattling sounds that weren’t there before.
  • Uses outdated refrigerant (R-22) – If your system still runs on R-22, repairs are now more expensive and parts are increasingly difficult to find.

What’s Changed in Heat Pump Technology Since Yours Was Installed?

If your heat pump was installed 15, 20, or even 25 years ago, you might be thinking, “It still works… why replace it?” The truth is, today’s heat pump systems are in a completely different league than those built two decades ago.

Thanks to major advancements in engineering, energy standards, and smart home integration, modern heat pumps offer benefits that go far beyond just heating and cooling. They’re designed to improve your comfort, lower your utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and operate so quietly you’ll barely notice they’re running.

Here’s what’s changed—and why it matters to your home and your wallet:

1. Dramatically Improved Efficiency

Older systems—even those considered “efficient” at the time—can’t compete with the energy performance of today’s models. Modern Lennox heat pumps offer significantly higher SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings.

What this means for you:

• • • Lower monthly energy bills—sometimes hundreds of dollars per year in savings.
    • A more sustainable home that uses less electricity without sacrificing comfort.
    • Potential eligibility for Oregon utility rebates and federal tax incentives.

2. Variable-Speed Compressors for Ultimate Comfort

If your old heat pump is single-stage, it runs at full blast every time it turns on—causing temperature swings, loud cycling, and higher energy use. New Lennox models like the SL25XPV feature variable-speed compressors that run at the exact speed needed to maintain your desired temperature.

Benefits include:

• • • Even, consistent temperatures throughout your home.
    • No more dramatic on/off cycles—it ramps up and down smoothly.
    • Better humidity control in both heating and cooling seasons.
    • Extended lifespan due to reduced wear and tear.

3. Inverter Technology That Adapts in Real Time

Inverter-driven systems have transformed how modern heat pumps operate. They continuously monitor indoor and outdoor conditions and make micro-adjustments to keep your home perfectly comfortable—no matter what Oregon weather throws at you.

Why it matters:

• • • Faster reaction times when temperatures change suddenly.
    • Efficient operation even in colder weather, ideal for the Pacific Northwest’s mild winters.
    • Improved performance in extreme heat and cold compared to older models.

4. Seamless Smart Thermostat Integration

Today’s Lennox heat pumps are designed to work hand-in-hand with smart thermostats, including the Lennox iComfort® S30 and popular third-party models like Ecobee or Nest. These systems give you full control over your home’s temperature, whether you're relaxing on the couch or halfway across the country.

What you gain:

• • • Programmable schedules to match your daily routine.
    • Remote access via smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant.
    • Energy usage insights and alerts to help you optimize performance.
    • Some systems even learn your habits and adjust automatically.

5. Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants

If your old heat pump still runs on R-22 refrigerant, it’s not only inefficient—it’s outdated and expensive to service. Today’s systems use R-410A, which is more environmentally friendly and won’t contribute to ozone depletion.

Why upgrade now:

• • • R-22 has been phased out, so repairs and recharges are extremely costly.
    • Servicing an R-22 system will only become more difficult over time.
    • New refrigerants improve performance and reliability.

6. Ultra-Quiet Operation

Let’s face it—older heat pumps are loud. The fan kicks on, the compressor rattles, and you hear every cycle. Modern Lennox systems are engineered for silence, with sound-dampening technology, insulated cabinets, and ultra-quiet fan motors.

What this means for your home:

• • • Peace and quiet both indoors and outside.
    • No more being woken up by your HVAC system cycling in the middle of the night.
    • Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and home offices.

Bottom Line: It’s Not Just a Heat Pump—It’s a Whole-Home Upgrade

Replacing your old heat pump isn’t just a fix—it’s an investment in better comfort, better efficiency, and a better living experience. From whisper-quiet operation to real-time responsiveness and powerful energy savings, today’s systems are designed with your lifestyle in mind.

At Aviator Heating & Cooling, we help Oregon homeowners upgrade with confidence—backed by Lennox innovation, professional installation, and rebates that make it more affordable than ever.

Benefits of Upgrading to a Lennox Heat Pump

As a proud Hillsboro Lennox dealer, we install some of the most advanced and efficient heat pump systems available today. Here’s what you gain by upgrading:

• • Lower energy bills with ENERGY STAR® rated performance.
  • Improved comfort with more consistent temperatures and better humidity control.
  • Smarter features including Wi-Fi thermostats, zoning, and app-based control.
  • Cleaner operation using R-410A refrigerant (instead of phased-out R-22).
  • Peace of mind with industry-leading warranties and reliability.

Our Top Lennox Recommendations:

• • Lennox SL25XPV – Ultimate comfort and efficiency with variable-capacity performance.
  • Lennox EL18XPV – Great all-around performance at a mid-tier price point.
  • Lennox ML16XP1 – A solid single-stage option for reliable, budget-friendly performance.

Repair or Replace? Here’s the Real Math.

A major heat pump repair (like a compressor failure or refrigerant leak) on a 15–25-year-old system can cost thousands—and you’re still left with an outdated unit. When you compare that to the long-term energy savings and improved comfort of a new system, the upgrade often pays for itself in just a few seasons.

Plus, with rebates from the Energy Trust of Oregon, federal tax incentives, and special Lennox promotions, it’s never been a better time to upgrade.

Serving Homeowners Across the Greater Portland Area

Aviator Heating & Cooling is based in Hillsboro, and we proudly serve homeowners throughout the region, including:

• • Hillsboro
  • Beaverton
  • Tigard
  • Aloha
  • Forest Grove
  • North Plains
  • Lake Oswego
  • Portland
  • Sherwood
  • Tualatin
  • Newberg
  • Cornelius
  • Bethany

We know the homes and climate here, and we’ll make sure your system is perfectly matched to both.

Ready for Lower Bills and More Comfort? Let’s Talk.

Don’t keep pouring money into a system that’s past its prime. Upgrading to a new Lennox heat pump isn’t just about getting your heating and cooling back on track—it’s about reclaiming comfort, saving energy, and investing in your home’s future.

At Aviator Heating & Cooling, we’ll evaluate your current system, explain your options, and help you take advantage of every rebate and incentive available. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest advice and expert service from your local Hillsboro Lennox dealer.

Schedule your heat pump replacement today and find out how much better your home can feel with a new Lennox heat pump.