Should My Heat Pump Run All the Time?

For most homeowners, having a heat pump run constantly can be confusing. This is because most people are usually unsure if this should be happening. So, is it normal for your heat pump to run constantly or should you be worried?

Should My Heat Pump Run All the Time?
Most Swimming Pool Heat Pump will run continuously during cold weather. This means that it is normal for your heat pump to run continuously during the winter when the temperature is equal to or below 30 degrees.

The Main Reasons Why Heat Pumps Run Continuously
Your Thermostat is Not Set Properly
Setting your thermostat too high in the winter or too low in the summer may cause it to run constantly as it tries to keep up with the temperature you set.
Make sure the emergency heat mode is not set as well. Setting your thermostat incorrectly or realizing that someone has set it to an incorrect setting may cause you problems.

Your Air Filter Needs to Be Cleaned
In order for a heat pump to operate efficiently, it needs a fresh, clean air supply. If the filter is clogged, the heat pump will have to run constantly to keep your home comfortable.
Replacing or cleaning the filter can solve this problem. This service is part of your normal maintenance checks, so if you stick to the necessary maintenance, you should experience fewer problems.

Your Condensate Pump is Not Working
If the condensate pump is not working or has been unplugged, the pump will not work properly. This can cause a variety of problems, including continuous operation of the pump. Check the condensate pump to see if it is working properly.

Troubleshooting a Heat Pump
If you're stressed because your heat pump keeps running, use this quick heat pump troubleshooting guide to see the most common causes associated with a heat pump that keeps running.

Check the Thermostat Control
Before you do anything else, go to your thermostat to make sure all settings are correct. Make sure the system is set to "heat" or "cool" accordingly, the fan is not set to "on", and your temperature is set correctly.

Check the Outdoor Unit
When a heat pump runs continuously, it is usually associated with a defrost cycle failure. The heat pump defrosts to remove ice from the condenser, and the heat pump performs this operation in the summer and winter. If your outdoor unit is encased in ice and frost, the defrost has failed.

Check the Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil of your heat pump is located in the blower room (where the air filter is changed) or attached to the furnace. If the coils are dirty, dirtied or corroded, they can leak refrigerant or otherwise negatively impact the operation of the heat pump. This causes it to lose efficiency, causing the unit to run constantly to make up for the power loss.