Yes, it's normal for a heat pump to run almost nonstop when Atlanta temperatures drop into the 30s or below. A heat pump makes heat by pulling it out of the outdoor air, and the colder it gets outside, the longer it has to run to keep your home at the thermostat setting. Long, steady cycles on a cold morning are usually a sign the system is working as designed. It's not normal if the house never reaches the set temperature, the air from the vents feels cool, the outdoor unit stays caked in ice, or it runs nonstop on mild 50-degree days. If you see any of those, call The Air Company of GA at 404-583-7788. We're open 24 hours.
Why Heat Pumps Run Longer in Cold Weather
A furnace burns gas and sends out very hot air in short bursts. A heat pump works differently. It moves heat from outside to inside, and the air it delivers is warm, not hot. That gentle heat is why heat pumps are so efficient in our mild Georgia winters, but it also means they run longer cycles than a furnace would.
As the outdoor temperature falls, there is less heat in the air to collect, while your home loses heat faster through windows, walls and the attic. On a cold night in Roswell, Alpharetta or Johns Creek, your heat pump may run 45 minutes or more out of every hour just to keep up. That is expected, and running steadily at a lower output is often more efficient than turning on and off.
When Constant Running Is Normal
- Outdoor temperatures are in the 20s or 30s, especially overnight and early morning.
- Your home stays at or close to the thermostat setting.
- Warm (not hot) air comes out of the vents.
- The outdoor unit frosts lightly and clears itself every so often. That's defrost mode, which we explain in Why Is My Heat Pump Steaming?
- You just raised the thermostat several degrees and the system is catching up.
Signs Your Heat Pump Running Nonstop Is a Problem
- The house never reaches the set temperature. If the thermostat says 70 and the house sits at 65 for hours on a moderate day, something is limiting heat output.
- Cool or lukewarm air from the vents. Heat pump air feels milder than furnace air, but it should still feel clearly warm on your hand. See why your HVAC is blowing cold air.
- Heavy ice that doesn't clear. A thick block of ice on the outdoor coil that stays for hours means defrost isn't working, airflow is blocked, or refrigerant may be low.
- "Aux Heat" shows on the thermostat all the time. Backup heat strips are expensive to run. Learn the difference in emergency heat vs. aux heat.
- It runs constantly on mild days. Nonstop running when it's 50 degrees or warmer outside is not normal.
- A sudden jump in your power bill. Our guide to a high heating bill covers the usual causes.
- New noises. Grinding, rattling or loud buzzing from the outdoor or indoor unit should be checked.
Common Causes of a Heat Pump That Won't Stop Running
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged filter chokes airflow, so less warm air reaches your rooms and the system runs longer to make up for it. Check it monthly in winter. Here's how often to change your air filter.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant carries heat from outside to inside. If there's a leak, the heat pump can run all day without moving enough heat. Refrigerant leaks need a licensed technician to find and repair them; just adding more isn't a fix.
Blocked or Iced Outdoor Unit
Leaves, pine straw, shrubs and fallen limbs around the outdoor unit restrict airflow. That's common in wooded neighborhoods in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, East Cobb and Brookhaven. Keep about two feet clear around the unit.
Leaky Ductwork
In many Decatur, Tucker and Virginia Highland homes, ducts run through cold crawlspaces and attics. Loose or torn ducts dump warm air before it reaches your rooms. Our duct repair service seals and fixes damaged runs.
Thermostat Problems
A thermostat in a drafty spot, set to the wrong mode, or wired incorrectly can keep the system calling for heat. We handle thermostat installation and setup for heat pump systems.
Worn Parts or an Aging System
A failing reversing valve, defrost control, outdoor fan motor or compressor can all reduce output. Older heat pumps also lose efficiency over time. If yours is 12 to 15 years old and needs frequent repairs, it may be time to talk about options, starting with an honest assessment from our heat pump service team.
What You Can Check Before Calling
- Make sure the thermostat is set to Heat, not Emergency Heat, and the fan is on Auto.
- Replace the air filter if it looks gray or dusty.
- Open supply vents and make sure furniture or rugs aren't blocking return grilles.
- Clear leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit. Don't chip ice off the coil, because that can damage the fins.
- Note the outdoor temperature. Long run times in the 20s and 30s are normal; long run times at 55 are not.
Heat Pump Service Across Atlanta
The Air Company of GA is a family-owned, NATE-certified Bryant dealer providing residential and commercial heat pump service in Atlanta (including Buckhead, Midtown and Virginia Highland), Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Duluth, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Chamblee, Doraville, Tucker and Decatur. Our residential diagnostic fee is $89.
Regular maintenance catches weak parts, low refrigerant and airflow problems before a cold snap. Our maintenance plan is $159 per year for the first system plus $60 for each additional unit. Call 404-583-7788 or contact us to schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a heat pump to run all the time in winter?
Yes, when it's cold outside. When temperatures drop into the 30s or below, a heat pump often runs long, nearly continuous cycles to keep up. That's normal as long as your home stays close to the thermostat setting and warm air comes from the vents.
At what temperature does a heat pump run constantly?
It varies by system and home, but many heat pumps start running nearly nonstop once outdoor temperatures fall into the 20s and 30s. On mild days in the 50s, constant running usually points to a problem.
Does running constantly mean my heat pump is broken?
Not by itself. It's a problem if the house won't reach the set temperature, the air feels cool, heavy ice stays on the outdoor unit, or Aux Heat stays on all the time.
Why is my heat pump running but the house is still cold?
Common causes include a dirty filter, low refrigerant, a blocked or iced outdoor unit, leaky ducts, a thermostat problem or worn parts. A technician can find the cause with a diagnostic visit.
Is a heat pump running constantly expensive?
Long cycles on cold days are normal and efficient. Costs climb when the backup heat strips run a lot, so watch for Aux Heat or Emergency Heat on your thermostat.
Who repairs heat pumps near me in Atlanta?
The Air Company of GA repairs and maintains heat pumps across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Decatur and nearby cities. We're open 24 hours at 404-583-7788.
