By Mario Vaghei, General Manager, Aire One Peel Heating & Cooling · Published November 2, 2026 · Facts verified October 30, 2026
Short answer
Air-source heat pumps typically last 10 to 15 years, and geothermal heat pumps can last more than 20 years, according to Carrier. Where yours lands in that range depends mostly on maintenance, correct sizing and installation, the quality of the system and how hard it works. In Ontario a heat pump heats in winter and cools in summer, so it runs more months of the year than a furnace, which typically lasts 15 to 20 years.
On this page
Heat pump lifespan by type · What decides how long yours lasts · What this means in an Ontario winter · How to make a heat pump last · Signs it may be time to plan a replacement · Talk to us · Frequently asked questions
Heat pump lifespan by type
| Type | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Air-source heat pump (ducted or ductless) | 10 to 15 years |
| Geothermal (ground-source) heat pump | More than 20 years |
| For comparison: gas furnace | 15 to 20 years |
Table sources: Carrier Canada, "How long do heat pumps last" (read October 30, 2026); furnace figure from our furnace lifespan guide.
What decides how long yours lasts
Carrier lists six factors:
- Maintenance. Carrier calls this the most important one. A yearly tune-up and regular filter changes keep the system from working harder than it should.
- Installation and sizing. A unit that is too small runs constantly. One that is too big turns on and off too often. Both wear it out sooner.
- System quality. Better-built equipment tends to last longer.
- Type. Geothermal systems last longer than air-source systems.
- Climate. Cold climates make a heat pump work harder in winter.
- Usage. Frequent cycling and long run times add wear.
What this means in an Ontario winter
An Ontario heat pump does two jobs: heating from fall to spring and cooling in summer. A cold-climate model keeps heating well below freezing, but the colder it gets, the harder it works. Our guide to heat pumps in cold weather explains how they cope. Pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace (dual fuel) lets the furnace take the coldest days, which takes some of that load off the heat pump.
How to make a heat pump last
- Book a yearly maintenance visit, ideally before the heating season.
- Change or clean the filter on schedule.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, ice, leaves and anything stacked against it.
- Have it sized with a proper heat-loss calculation when it is installed.
- Register the equipment so the full warranty applies.
Signs it may be time to plan a replacement
- It is past 10 years old and needs repairs more often.
- Rooms no longer reach the set temperature in heating or cooling.
- Your energy bills rise without a change in how you use it.
- A major part, such as the compressor, fails after the warranty has ended.
None of these alone means replace. A technician can tell you whether a repair is worth it. Our heat pump installation page covers what a replacement involves and the rebates that may apply.
Talk to us
We service and install heat pumps across Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, Milton, Georgetown, Caledon and Bolton. Call 905-564-8545.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a heat pump last in Ontario?
Air-source heat pumps typically last 10 to 15 years and geothermal heat pumps can last more than 20 years, according to Carrier. Maintenance, sizing and installation make the biggest difference.
Do heat pumps last as long as furnaces?
Usually not quite. An air-source heat pump typically lasts 10 to 15 years, and a gas furnace 15 to 20 years. A heat pump also cools in summer, so it runs more months of the year.
Does cold weather shorten a heat pump's life?
Cold climates make a heat pump work harder, which Carrier lists as one of the factors in lifespan. Regular maintenance and correct sizing help, and a dual-fuel setup lets a furnace take the coldest days.
What is the most important thing to make a heat pump last?
Maintenance. Carrier calls it the most important factor: a yearly tune-up and regular filter changes.
How long does a geothermal heat pump last?
Geothermal heat pumps can last more than 20 years, according to Carrier.
Sources and references
- Carrier Canada, "How long do heat pumps last", read October 30, 2026.