This paper is based on a study of heat pump service life and compressor longevity for installations in northern Illinois. Heat pump owners were surveyed for the purpose of collecting information on heat pump life and repair characteristics. A total of 684 heat pumps were included in the survey. Total system life and compressor replacement results are presented here. Major findings of the study include the following:

1. The median heat pump service life in northern Illinois is between 15 and 16 years;

2. After ten years of use, 69% of all heat pumps in the survey are still using the original compressor;

3. Of all households surveyed where a heat pump had been installed, 96% were still using heat pumps.