Is your heat pump acting like a marathon runner, constantly running without a break?
To function efficiently, your heat pump needs fresh, clean air. To keep your home comfortable, your heat pump will have to work harder-and run continuously-if the filter becomes clogged.
While heat pumps are designed to provide efficient heating and cooling for your home, encountering a situation where your heat pump runs continuously can be concerning.
Not only does it raise concerns about energy consumption, but it could also indicate an underlying issue with your heating and cooling system.
You may be surprised to learn that heat pumps are designed to run almost continuously while they are in operation.
These heat pumps operate very differently from furnaces, and they tend to run more frequently during colder weather. The heat pump probably works correctly if temperatures are below 40 degrees and running constantly.
If your heat pump has been running non-stop for days now, regardless of the weather, it might be time to check for signs of trouble.
How To Tell If Your Heat Pump Is Running Correctly?
In most cases, a failure of the defrost cycle is the cause of a heat pump running constantly. You can look for these signs that indicate you might need heat pump repair:
- Having trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature.
- Insufficient airflow.
- A heat pump stuck in a particular mode.
- On the coils, there is ice.
Heat pump repair is necessary if you’re experiencing these problems while your heat pump runs constantly.
Why Is My Heat Pump Constantly Running?
It is possible to fix the problem yourself often if there is an easy fix. You may also need to seek assistance from a service professional if you need to take a closer look at the problem.
Whatever happens, please don’t ignore it. The minor problem can transform into a major one, requiring more expensive repairs.
Clean Your Air Filter
The best way for your heat pump to run efficiently is to supply it with fresh, clean air. The clogged filter means that your heat pump must work harder and run continuously to keep your home comfortable.
This can be fixed if the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned. As part of your regular maintenance, you should be able to avoid many problems if you maintain your system properly.
Check Your Thermostat
It is important to make sure the temperature settings are correct. You might need to set your thermostat too high in the winter (above 76 degrees) or too low in the summer (below 68 degrees) to keep it running at the set temperature.
When you are at home in winter, experts recommend setting the thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit to keep you comfortable and conserve energy.
As it tries to maintain your temperature, a thermostat set too high in the winter or too low in the summer will run constantly.
Ensure that emergency heat mode is not activated as well. You could have your problem if you set the thermostat incorrectly or realize that someone set it incorrectly.
Check The Evaporator Coils
It is possible for coils that are dirty, grimy, or corroded to leak refrigerant or cause other problems. Consequently, the unit must run constantly to compensate for the loss of power, reducing efficiency.
The coils may be dirty, grimy, or corroded, causing refrigerant leaks or adversely impacting the heat pump. As a result, it loses efficiency, which results in the unit running constantly to compensate.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit
It is most common to experience problems after the defrost cycle has failed. Even in the summer, you may still have defrosting problems if your outdoor unit is encased in ice and frost.
It is required for a heat pump to defrost the condenser in both summer and winter so that the condenser is clear of ice. In the case that your outdoor unit is engulfed in ice and frost, the defrost mechanism has failed. Get service today!
Check Your Condensate Pump
When your condensate pump (which is like a small sump pump) becomes unplugged or breaks, your heat pump will not work correctly.
An issue like this can lead to various issues, including a pump that runs continuously. Be sure the condensate pump is operating properly.
Why Does My Heat Pump Run Constantly In Winter?
Winter will hit, and the weather outside will become cold, so heat pumps will run constantly.
During the winter, when temperatures drop below 30 degrees, your home’s heat demand matches the heat pump’s production, requiring it to run continuously to keep warm.
The balance point is at this point. If you tip past the balance point, your heat pump will supplement the heat it delivers with backup electrical coils similar to those found in hairdryers.
Understanding Ideal Heat Pump Performance
Continuously running heat pumps are often signs of a problem but can also indicate an effective system. A heat pump keeps your home warm when temperatures dip below 40 degrees by running almost constantly.
Whenever the weather outside is particularly cold, it doesn’t matter whether your system is running constantly or not. If it’s working correctly, it could mean it’s doing exactly what it should.
The Difference Between Heat Pumps, Central Systems & Furnaces
The fact that heat pumps run a lot more than central heating systems and furnaces should never be overlooked, even if they run constantly.
A heat pump is more than just a means of blasting your home with temperature-controlled air; it’s designed to maintain consistent and comfortable temperatures for longer. Since they run longer during winter, they require more energy.
Having a heat pump professionally installed in your home means you will get a system that works specifically in your space.
As temperatures drop, your heat pump draws heat from the outside air to keep your space warm.
A furnace will run continuously to keep the temperature warm and move the heat in. Even though your heat pump is constantly running, you will still be able to reduce your electric bill by 50% for the year.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Heat Pump?
Your heat pump’s lifespan depends on several factors, including the maintenance and installation you perform. You can expect your heat pump to last 10 to 15 years as long as you take good care of it.
Heat pumps are constantly running 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so be aware of that when determining the lifespan of your heat pump.
It is generally true that gas furnaces and air conditioners generate heat only in the winter and cool air only in the summer, respectively.
In contrast, a heat pump heats and cools your home 12 months a year, working twice as hard as a traditional system.
Despite popular belief, a heat pump that keeps running for an extended period of time isn’t necessarily a negative thing.
Best Practices for Winter Heat Pump Use
To ensure your heat pump is efficient and to protect your HVAC equipment during the winter, follow these best practices:
- Have The Heat Pump Serviced Regularly
The best way to ensure your heat pump will continue to operate efficiently is to have a maintenance tune-up by a qualified technician twice a year.
You will be able to prevent costly repairs and ensure that the energy efficiency of your heat pump is maintained at its peak.
- Install A Programmable Or Smart Thermostat
Adjusting your home’s temperature based on your schedule, a programmable or smart thermostat can help you save energy and money. The heat pump will require less work to run, saving energy and reducing wear and tear.
- Keep The Outdoor Unit Clear
Clear snow, ice, and other debris from the outdoor unit of a heat pump. You will be able to ensure that the heat pump receives the airflow it needs to function properly, and the blower fan will not have to run continuously.
- Keep The Air Filter Clean
Keeping your heat pump’s air filter clean is essential to ensure smooth, efficient operation. Keep the air filter clean and replace it regularly so it doesn’t become clogged up.
Final Words
The best way to ensure your heat pump operates smoothly all year is to know the signs of problems and perform routine maintenance properly.
Your heat pump will stay reliable all year round when maintained at the beginning of the heating and cooling seasons.
