diff --git a/hasspy/mqtt.py b/hasspy/mqtt.py
index 8cc9057..d973cb9 100644
--- a/hasspy/mqtt.py
+++ b/hasspy/mqtt.py
@@ -105,7 +105,8 @@ class HassClient(Client):
         self.publish_availability()
         self.init_subs()
 
-        self.timer.start()
+        if self.timer.ident is None:
+            self.timer.start()
 
     @property
     def state_topic(self) -> str: