Posted May 5, 2025
It’s a question we hear a lot: “Should I just leave my heat pump running all the time in winter?” Some people swear by it for comfort, others are worried about energy bills. So what’s the real answer?
At Enviro Master, we’ve helped thousands of Christchurch homeowners get the best performance from their heat pumps. Here, we break down the pros, cons, and expert advice to help you make the smartest choice for your home and your wallet.
The thinking is simple: if your home stays at a consistent temperature, your heat pump won’t have to work as hard to reheat a cold space. It sounds more efficient — and in some homes, with good insulation and airtightness, that logic might hold.
Others simply prefer a consistently warm house — especially during the colder Canterbury months when getting out of bed can be a chore.
But is that approach really saving you money — or costing you more?
While it may sound like a convenient option, running your heat pump all day and night comes with some key disadvantages:
Even though heat pumps are efficient, they still use electricity. If your system runs non-stop — even when no one’s home or during warmer parts of the day — you’re using energy that isn’t delivering any real benefit.
Like any mechanical system, continuous operation can reduce the lifespan of your heat pump. Compressors and fans are built to last, but they’ll last longer if they get regular breaks.
Most homes don’t need constant heating, especially in Christchurch where the winter days are cool, but not extreme. Heating during midday or overnight may be entirely unnecessary, leading to wasted energy.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) offers clear advice: don’t leave your heat pump on all the time. Instead, use a timer or scheduling feature to run your system only when it’s needed — typically in the morning and evening.
In a Consumer NZ article, their energy adviser echoed this guidance: “If you’re leaving it running all day when you’re not home, you’re probably wasting energy.”
Even heat pump manufacturers like Rinnai and Mitsubishi Electric support using smart operation features rather than defaulting to 24/7 use.
The good news is you don’t have to choose between comfort and efficiency. Here’s how to get the best of both:
Set your heat pump to turn on about 30 minutes before you get up or arrive home, and off when you leave or go to bed.
Most people sleep better in cooler temperatures. Unless your home gets extremely cold overnight, it’s often unnecessary to heat through the night.
If your heat pump has a Wi-Fi module, you can turn it on remotely before heading home. That means comfort without waste.
Close curtains before the sun sets, seal draughts, and shut doors to unheated rooms to reduce heat loss.
Most modern heat pumps come with an energy-saving mode that balances temperature with lower energy use.
One of the key factors in deciding whether to leave your heat pump on is your local climate. Here in Canterbury, our winters are cold, but not extreme — especially compared to places like Central Otago.
In most Christchurch homes, the answer is no.
Leaving your heat pump on all the time can result in:
At Enviro Master, we specialise in tailored heating solutions for Christchurch homes. Whether you need advice on:
…our local team can help.
Get in touch today to book a free in-home assessment or request a heat pump service.
Yes. If your home is empty during the day, turning your heat pump off or using a timer will reduce your power bill without sacrificing comfort.
EECA recommends 18–20°C for living spaces and lower for bedrooms. Every degree higher can increase energy use by 10%.
In most cases, it's not necessary. It’s more efficient to heat before bed and rely on insulation and closed curtains to retain heat overnight.
Yes — but only when necessary. Wi-Fi control lets you turn it on just before you arrive, saving energy.
Look out for signs like long heating times, higher power bills, or dirty filters. Regular servicing helps maintain efficiency.
