When it comes to heating and cooling your home, heat pumps are one of the best all-in-one HVAC systems available. A heat pump transitions from heating to cooling at the flick of a switch so that you can easily adjust to the weather conditions as things change. That’s why these units offer homeowners a very convenient way of keeping comfortable through all seasons!
If it’s meant to cover the whole year, how long can a heat pump run continuously? The answer depends on several factors, including the temperature outside and the age of the system.
As a trusted heat pump installation company in Denver, Colorado, the JC Mechanical team can install, service, and replace your heat pump or other HVAC systems. Below, the team explains how long a heat pump can run and how you can make the most out of it.
What Is a Heat Pump, and How Does It Work?
Heat pumps transfer heat; they don’t generate it or replace it with cool air. The reason for their energy efficiency is that all the units do is transfer thermal energy from one place to another through a refrigeration cycle.
The two basic functions of a heat pump are as follows:
- When it’s cold outside, your heat pump will take heat from a ground or air source outside and bring it inside, warming the house.
- When it’s hot in summer, the pump moves the warm air out of your home so that you have cooler indoor air to enjoy.
Since heat pumps work by transferring heat. they’re more energy efficient than other heating units, like furnaces. Still understanding your heat pump’s cycles is a good starting point to understanding how long to run it.
Heat pump cycling is quite straightforward. Usually, the heat pump will cycle two or three times an hour for about 10 to 20 minutes. During each of these cycles, your heat pump takes in heat and releases it elsewhere.
Maintaining the right temperature relies on ongoing cycles. If it’s very cold outside, your heat pump will keep bringing warm air inside to keep your home comfortable.
Tips and Benefits: Running Your Heat Pump 24/7 In the Winter
So, how long can a heat pump run continuously? The answer depends on what it feels like outside and how warm you want your home to be.
In the winter, many people run their heat pumps 24/7, with anywhere from 48 to 72 cycles per day. Any time the temperature drops below 40 degrees, it’s normal for your heat pump to run all day. In fact, a heat pump that’s not running consistently through the winter is cause for concern.
Running your heat pump constantly throughout cold periods presents a number of benefits, from a cozy environment to lower utility costs. The biggest benefit of keeping your heat pump going is comfort, as it will maintain more consistent temperatures that way.
Running the heat pump around the clock also potentially reduces your utility costs. Every time the heat pump isn’t on, your home gets colder. When you turn the unit back on, it works harder to reach a comfortable temperature, which increases your heating bill overall.
When Shouldn’t Your Heat Pump Run Constantly?
While it’s ideal for your heat pump to run around the clock in frigid conditions, spring and summer present some much-needed downtime for your heat pump. The temperature between the indoor and outdoor spaces is less significant during this time, so if your heat pump runs continuously during warmer months, contact an HVAC professional. This situation isn’t normal and indicates an issue within the heat pump.
Should You Turn the Heat Pump Off Overnight?
One concern homeowners have about heat pumps is whether or not they should stay on overnight. How long should your heat pump stay on each night? As with daytime use, most manufacturers recommend keeping your heat pump running overnight to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Another benefit of keeping your heat pump on overnight is that it prevents your unit from freezing. Temperatures tend to drop significantly in the nighttime hours, and these low temperatures pose a threat to your heat pump. When a unit’s parts freeze, they break down, leading to costly repairs.
Additionally, keeping the heat pump running overnight reduces its workload in the morning. Say you turn your heat pump off at night, and your home reaches freezing temperatures. When you turn the unit back on in the morning, it will strain to reach a comfortable temperature.
When running your heat pump overnight, set the thermostat to an optimal temperature for your family’s sleeping habits. This ensures the unit runs smoothly through the night and maintains the desired temperature throughout the house.
What’s the Ideal Temperature Setting for Your Heat Pump?
What temperature should you set your heat pump to for maximum efficiency? The experts say 68 degrees is an optimal temperature for most units to maintain steady airflow in the winter months. However, 68 degrees won’t work for every home or every family.
Consider the clothing you typically wear in your home. If you’re frequently bundled up in warm clothing, 68 degrees may be too hot, and if you like wearing less clothing in your home, 68 degrees can be too cold for the wintery conditions outside.
Go up or down a few degrees, depending on your family’s comfort level, or ask a professional like JC Mechanical for an on-site assessment to help you set the levels you need.
More About Older Heat Pumps and Constant Cycles
Energy efficiency is improving all the time in these heating units, but how long can a heat pump run continuously if it’s an older model? Older heat pumps are less efficient but can still run all day in the winter.
If your older heat pump shows signs of the following signs of distress, it’s likely time for a replacement:
Frozen Parts
Frigid temperatures will freeze heat pump parts if your unit isn’t working. Is there ice formation around the parts? Your heat pump is likely failing, or there’s a refrigerant leak.
Hot Air in the Summer
You probably think of your heat pump more in the winter, but pay close attention to it in the summer as well. When your heat pump blows out hot air in the summer, it could indicate a faulty valve that requires professional repair or replacement.
Broken Condenser Fan
Broken condenser fans are another issue with older heat pumps. When the condenser fan breaks, there may be a short in the system or a need to replace the capacitor. In either case, you’ll need to call an HVAC specialist like JC Mechanical.
Broken Down Blower
One of the biggest signs your heat pump is nearing the end of its lifespan is a broken blower. This happens for several reasons, including short circuits and outdated cut-off switches. It needs professional attention.
Get Heat Pump Repair and Replacement with JC Mechanical’s Experts in Colorado
Is your heat pump showing signs of distress? Repairing or replacing a heat pump is easy with JC Mechanical’s HVAC services throughout Denver, CO.
When the time comes to install a new heat pump, we’ll help you find the perfect unit for your home. From assessing heat pump size to evaluating your family’s unique needs, we’ll consider all factors.
How long can a heat pump run continuously before needing a service? Find out more on our blog or call us directly at 720-372-0944 to schedule your next service or installation appointment with JC Mechanical.