How Long Should You Keep Your Heat Pump Running?

These are probably the questions we’re most asked whenever we supply and install a world-class heat pump. :

Should I leave the heat pump running all the time, even when I am not home?

Or should I just use it when I need it?

Our answer is there is no simple answer. We know that there are conflicting theories about how to use a heat pump. Some say that it should be kept running, others suggest turning it on and off as required. The jury is still out for us because it depends on your individual circumstances when determining how to operate your heat pump. A lot of it comes down to the type of home you live in.

If you live in an older house, it’s likely to be full of gaps as well as full of character! It’s probably quite draughty and if it is not properly insulated, you will waste a lot of energy by running your heat pump all the time. Depending on the season, you’re moving warm or cool air into the room, but that air will simply leak out the windows, walls, and other gaps that are part and parcel of any older property. In this case, you’re probably better off running the heat pump as you need it instead of leaving it on. If you want to come home to a cool home in summer, or a warm home in winter, use the timer to start the heat pump an hour before you are scheduled to get back to your place. Or, with our latest generation models, you can operate the heat pump remotely via your home’s Wi-Fi network. Just switch it on before you head back to your home. This will save you more money than running the unit non-stop.

On the other hand, if you live in a new or near-new house, then the building is likely to be air-tight. There’ll be no gaps around the doors and windows, and you’ll probably have other features that are the mark of today’s more energy-efficient homes: excellent insulation, double glazing and thermal drapes are obvious examples. If your home is like this, then it could be more efficient to leave the heat pump running as the warm or cool air has nowhere to escape to. It remains within the confines of your home and keeps it at a constant temperature. Because of this, your heat pump won’t need to use as much power to maintain a comfortable temperature.

However you choose to run your heat pump, you can be sure it is still the best and most affordable way to heat and cool your home. Contact us and we’ll discuss the fantastic heat pumps we now supply, including ones with Wi-Fi connectivity that you can operate from anywhere.