547. HVAC Unit is Always Running

Home and Life Comfort with Derek Cole

Is it normal for my heat pump to run continuously? That's a question many people have. Let's compare it to driving your car. Imagine it's a scorching hot day and you're driving with the AC on. Would you constantly turn off and on the AC in your car to stay cool? Most likely not, because it would just make the car heat up even more. The same principle applies to your heat pump or air conditioner.

Whether it's blazing hot outside or freezing cold, your heat pump or gas unit will not shut off until it reaches the temperature you set on your thermostat. It's designed to satisfy that thermostat, regardless of the weather conditions. So, if you're wondering why your heat pump keeps running, there's no need to worry. It's completely normal.

Some people may worry that their unit is wearing out because it runs for long periods of time. But here's the thing: the unit is meant to keep you comfortable, and that involves a continuous operation. It knows what your ideal temperature is and understands how to maintain it efficiently. So, it won't even turn off if it detects a slight increase or drop in temperature because it wants to ensure your comfort.

Think of it like fuel efficiency in your car. It's much more efficient to take a long trip on the interstate with a consistent speed than to go on a stop-and-go journey with lots of traffic. The same principle applies to your heat pump. It's designed to run continuously for optimal efficiency, rather than constantly cycling on and off.

When the unit starts, it uses the most power, just like a car. Therefore, the longer it runs, the more energy you're actually saving by avoiding frequent start-ups and shutdowns.

So, rest assured that your heat pump is doing its job perfectly. It's designed to run for extended periods of time to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient.