Is Your Heat Pump Playing Hot and Cold? Discover the Causes of Short Cycling

If you’ve noticed your heat pump turns on and then off quickly, it could be short cycling. Short-cycling heat pumps can lead to higher energy bills, less energy efficiency, and an uncomfortable home. Most importantly, it could reduce the life of your HVAC system since it’s working harder to keep your home comfortable. Discovering the cause of heat pump short cycling is essential to protect your system. Check Your HVAC Air Filter One of the first things you can do as a homeowner is check your HVAC air filter and see if it is clogged. This issue is one of the simplest reasons why heat pumps short cycle, and the good news is that you likely don’t need to call a heat pump repair professional to fix it. Simply change out the air filter and stay on a regular schedule with changing it to ensure your HVAC system operates as smoothly as possible. Thermostat Issues Many homeowners don’t realize that their thermostats might be causing short-cycling problems. The thermostat itself might be damaged or faulty, or it could be installed in an improper location. If it receives direct sunlight at any time throughout the day, it makes it seem warmer in the home than it actually is. This illusion can cause short cycling since the thermostat thinks your home is already at the set temperature. Low Refrigerant Levels Low refrigerant levels are another common cause of short cycling since heat pumps rely on refrigerant to function properly. If you’ve checked your thermostat and air filter and see no issues, it may be time to reach out to professional HVAC services. Refrigerant leaks should not be handled by anyone other than trained professionals. Incorrect Heat Pump Size If you end up contacting HVAC services for heat pump repair, the professional might determine that your heat pump is the incorrect size. Heat pumps that are too large can heat or cool your home too fast, which makes it turn off quickly. Most of the time, replacing your heat pump is the best solution. PRK Services, Inc. can diagnose and fix any short-cycling issues you may be having with your heat pump. Don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will have your HVAC system running smoothly again in no time.