My Heat Pump Runs All The Time. Is It Normal?

If you’ve recently purchased your first heat pump – or your first house that uses one – you may have noticed that it runs more frequently than a conventional heating or cooling system. Not to worry – it’s actually designed to work that way.

Unlike a central heating or cooling unit, your heat pump does not actually produce hot or cool air; instead, it extracts heat from the air outside your home and pumps it indoors until the air reaches the temperature set on your thermostat. When your heat pump is in “cool” mode, it simply reverses the process, extracting heat from inside your home and pumping it outside. This process continues throughout the day as air temperatures rise and fall – but don’t worry: your heat pump can still deliver incredible efficiency, as long as it is installed and maintained by a qualified heat pump expert.

Other causes of a continuously running heat pump

If you think your heat pump is running more often than it should, or if your house isn’t as warm or comfortable as you think it should be, look for these possible causes:

• Open windows and doors – Open or drafty doors or windows will delay the time it takes for your heat pump to reach your target thermostat temperature.
• An excessive thermostat setting – If your thermostat is set for an unreasonable temperature, it will run and possibly never meet it. Aim for a household temperature between 68 and 72 degrees in heating season and 76 and 80 degrees during cooling season.
• A malfunctioning outdoor unit – A simple check on the outdoor unit reassure you that the system is working well.
• A clogged air filter – If your heat pump air filter becomes dirty or clogged, it will force the system to work harder to do its job, perhaps causing it to run more often than it should. Check your air filter once a month during heating season, replacing or cleaning it (depending on the model) as needed.

Expert heat pump repair in central MA

Heat pump still not working? Don’t worry – Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling is here for you. Our heat pump specialists can diagnose your heat pump problems and get them fixed quickly and correctly, so you can get back to enjoying the comforts of home.

For expert heat pump installations and heat pump maintenance in central Massachusetts, trust the pros at Needham Oil Complete. Contact us today to learn more, or to schedule service for your heat pump.

Please note: At Needham Oil Complete, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our Covid-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your home cooling and heating systems working through this challenging time.