How Long Do Heat Pump Elements Last?
The electric auxiliary (backup) heating elements in a heat pump system — the heat strips that kick in during very cold weather or defrost cycles — usually last 10 to 20 years. In practice, they often outlive the heat pump’s compressor, but they don’t last forever.
What affects element lifespan
- How often they run. In colder Canadian climates, auxiliary heat runs more often, which means more thermal cycling and faster wear.
- Electrical stress. Voltage spikes, loose connections, and frequent on/off cycling shorten element life.
- Airflow problems. A clogged filter or weak blower lets heat build up around the element, stressing the metal.
- Manufacturing quality. Cheaper elements with thinner coil wire fail sooner.
Signs your heat pump element is failing
- The system runs but blows cool or lukewarm air on “emergency heat.”
- A tripped breaker on the heat-strip circuit.
- Visibly broken, sagging, or burned coil wire.
- Higher-than-usual electricity bills with no other explanation.
Should you replace one element or all of them?
Heat strips often come as a packaged assembly with multiple elements. If one has failed and the others are the same age, many techs replace the full set to avoid a repeat service call — especially in remote areas where a second visit is expensive.
If you know your make and model, send us the details and we’ll match a replacement element shipped anywhere in Canada.
Related guides
- Can You Run a Heat Pump Without Auxiliary Heat?
- Emergency Heat vs. Auxiliary Heat: What's the Difference?
- Heat Pump Element Replacement Cost in Canada
Related products
- Heat Pump Elements
- Carrier Heat Pump Replacement Elements
- Trane Replacement Heating Elements
- Goodman Replacement Heating Elements
- Rheem Replacement Heating Elements
Need a replacement element? We ship across Canada and build custom elements for hard-to-find equipment.