Should I Leave My Heat Pump on All the Time?

Are you wondering how your heat pump works? To learn everything you need to know, call Comfort Specialists at 973-490-4881.

If you've just recently installed a heat pump or moved into a new home with one, you may wonder:  "Should I leave my heat pump on all the time?" When you have questions about your heat pump, reach out to Comfort Specialists, the best providers of professional heat pump repair in Roxbury Township, NJ.

With an excellent reputation for high-quality service and knowledgeable professionals, we can handle every heat pump problem and keep your home comfortable year-round.

How Your Heat Pump Works

Your heat pump acts as a combined furnace and air conditioner in a single unit. Its outdoor unit absorbs ambient air and transfers it indoors after heating or cooling it. Heat pumps are incredibly efficient and cost-effective.

In more extreme temperatures, such as those below 35 degrees or above 90 degrees with humidity, your heat pump runs consistently to keep your home comfortable. They're designed to operate slowly and regularly to absorb the air around them in an efficient manner. However, there are a few times when you should worry about your heat pump running too much.

When To Worry About Your Heat Pump

If you're asking, "Should I leave my heat pump on all the time?" the following situations are cause for concern.

During the Summer

During the summer, your heat pump acts as an air conditioning system. On most days, it should provide a steady temperature indoors by only running 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

However, just like an air conditioner, if the outdoor temperature approaches 100 degrees, or if the day has excessive humidity, it might need to run constantly. 

During the summer, if your heat pump runs non-stop without excessive outdoor temperatures or humidity, call an HVAC technician to determine if you have a problem.

During the Winter

Cold weather forces your heat pump to work constantly to keep your home warm. However, if the temperature outside rises above 35 degrees, your heat pump shouldn't work as hard. If you notice your heat pump can't keep up even when the weather is more temperate, call an HVAC technician.

Alternatively, if it's below freezing and your heat pump isn't running constantly, it also means something's wrong. Sometimes they enter defrost mode to keep from freezing. If that fails, the entire unit can become covered in ice.

You Hear Weird Noises

Regardless of whether your heat pump is running constantly, if you hear weird noises, there's likely something wrong with your unit. What qualifies as a weird noise?

• Banging noises indicate a loose piece or a jammed component.
• Vibrating or rattling means the unit might not rest firmly on the ground.
• A gurgling or bubbling noise signifies your unit could have a coolant leak.

Poor Air Quality

When it's working properly, your heat pump should heat and cool every room in your home evenly. If you notice different temperatures throughout your house, something may be wrong with your system. 

Poor air quality also means lukewarm air. If your heat pump is running constantly, confirm you feel heated or cooled air coming from your vents. 

You might also notice your allergies growing worse. When your heat pump's air filter is dirty, it can't adequately clean the air, and it also can cause your unit to run constantly.

Consider a Programmable Thermostat

If your heat pump has trouble maintaining a consistent temperature even if it's running constantly, it could mean you're using the wrong thermostat settings. Consider if you need your heat pump to run when you're not at home. Not only is it a waste of energy that runs up your utility bills, but it also ages your heat pump more quickly.

A programmable thermostat can help you maintain a comfortable temperature while you're home but allows the heat pump to rest when you're away. Also, confirm you're setting the thermostat to the most efficient temperatures. The Department of Energy says the most efficient temperatures are 65 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees during the summer.

Call Comfort Specialists for All Your Heat Pump Service Needs

Now you know the answer to the question, "Should I leave my heat pump on all the time?" No matter what kind of help your heat pump needs, Comfort Specialists solves it with unparalleled knowledge and professionalism. We serve northern New Jersey with pride and are happy to keep its homes and businesses in year-round comfort.

Whether you need heat pump installation services or regular maintenance, Comfort Specialists can help. Call us at 973-490-4881 to book an appointment.