When winter arrives in Shelbyville, KY, you want your heat pump to work correctly and deliver the comfort you need. Yet, like other mechanical systems, heat pumps can experience problems. Heat pumps that turn off and on too frequently, also known as short cycling, could be be experiencing a variety of issues.
Understanding Heat Pump Short Cycling
Short cycling is when a heating system starts its normal cycle but shuts down prematurely. After a few moments, the heat pump starts up and runs briefly, only to shut down again. This cycle continues over and over and can occur in heating and cooling modes.
An Over-Sized Heat Pump
One of the most common reasons for short cycling involves the installation of an improperly sized unit. A heat pump that is too large for your home may shut off prematurely because it will reach the set temperature too quickly. Short cycling will put greater wear and tear on your system, shortening the heat pump’s lifespan.
Thermostat Problems
A faulty thermostat can cause short-cycling problems, especially if you have an older system. Troubleshoot the problem by checking whether the thermostat’s batteries and power connections have tripped a circuit. Additionally, a thermostat in an area exposed to temperature fluctuations may incorrectly sense temperatures and trigger your heat pump to turn off and on more frequently than necessary.
Dirty Air Filter
Just as with a furnace or central air conditioner, a dirty air filter can compromise your heat pump’s operation. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, potentially causing your heat pump to turn on and off more frequently and putting undue wear on the system.
You can prevent many of these problems by scheduling annual maintenance. When experiencing heat pump malfunctions including short cycling, contact the experts at Elder Heating and Air for an appointment.
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