How Long Can a Heat Pump Run Continuously?

Hickory Heating and Cooling
30 August 2023

If you’re used to the way a traditional furnace and air conditioner operate, it might alarm you to discover your heat pump running without turning off. How long can a heat pump run continuously? This post will discuss the normal cycles of a heat pump and when you should worry about it running continuously. 


Hickory Heating & Cooling has a team of skilled heat pump repairmen in Hickory, NC, to help your heat pump run efficiently as temperatures fluctuate.


Normal Heat Pump Operation


Your heat pump is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home all year long. It works by transferring heat from one place to another in order to make your home more comfortable.


Like traditional air conditioning units, heat pumps use refrigerant to pull heat from the indoor air supply. The heat pump transfers the heat outside, lowering the temperature inside your home.


When temperatures drop, the heat pump operates in reverse. It brings in cool outside air, heats it, and transfers it into your home.

Heat pumps typically go through their cycle two or three times an hour. They switch on, run for 10 to 20 minutes, and turn off again. That’s all the time a heat pump needs to maintain home comfort in mild weather.


When a Heat Pump Runs Continuously


Extreme winter temperatures could cause your heat pump to run continuously. While it may alarm you, it’s not necessarily a sign of trouble. When the outdoor temperature drops below 40 degrees in the winter, it can cause the system to work harder to keep your home warm.


How long can a heat pump run continuously? In extreme temperatures, a heat pump can operate continuously for more than 40 hours to help keep your home comfortable. If you notice your heat pump is running nonstop when the weather is mild, you may need to schedule professional maintenance to find out why.


Signs Your Heat Pump Needs Maintenance


Your heat pump may show subtle signs that it can’t operate efficiently. If you know what to look for, you can schedule professional maintenance to extend the life of your heat pump.


Uneven Temperatures 

If some areas of your home are always too cold and others are too hot, that’s a sign that something is wrong. There are a number of causes of uneven temperature distribution, from a dirty air filter to damaged parts. A qualified technician can inspect your heat pump and identify the cause.


Disturbing Noises

All gas and electric heat pumps make some sort of noise, but when you notice loud, unusual noises coming from your heat pump, that’s a cause for concern. Damaged components inside the heat pump could make weird noises and prevent your heat pump from working the way it should.

Unusually High Energy Bills


You know the typical range of your monthly energy bills. A damaged or aging heat pump can’t work efficiently, and you will see that struggle reflected in your monthly bill. The common cause of skyrocketing energy bills is short cycling.


Extending the Lifespan of Your Heat Pump


Your heat pump needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape over the years. Heat pumps can last well over a decade, but the individual components may end up damaged with normal use. Small repairs along the way can extend the life of your heat pump.

 

An annual maintenance inspection can detect early signs of damage before they grow into expensive problems. During the service call, a qualified technician will check for refrigerant leaks, damaged parts, and excess dirt inside the unit. All of these factors could contribute to high energy bills and inconsistent temperatures in your house.


Some homeowners choose not to invest in annual service in hopes of saving money, but that plan doesn’t work in their favor. The cost of replacing a worn-out heat pump is much greater than the cost of annual service and small repairs over several years.


Reliable Heat Pump Service


How long can a heat pump run continuously? Now you know how heat pumps work and that a heat pump can run continuously for over 40 hours when winter temperatures plummet. If you notice your heat pump running continuously in moderate weather, it’s time to schedule professional maintenance in order to avoid a complete heat pump breakdown.


Hickory Heating & Cooling wants nothing more than for you to stay comfortable in your home all year long. Schedule maintenance by calling 828-827-5224 or by filling out the online contact form.

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