What Makes a Heat Pump Short-Cycle?

If you’re a homeowner in Horizon City, TX, you know that your heat pump is an essential part of your comfort. However, the heat pump may start a short-cycle, turning on and off more frequently than normal. Here are some reasons for a heat pump’s short-cycling:

Thermostat Error

If the thermostat isn’t reading the temperature correctly, it may cause the system to turn on and off more frequently than normal. The error could be due to a wiring problem, incorrect calibration or a bad sensor. Resolving these issues can help fix the short-cycling problem and ensure your HVAC system is heating and cooling well.

Low Refrigerant Level

The refrigerant helps transfer heat from the air outside to the air inside your home. If there’s a leak in the system, the refrigerant level can drop, causing the heat pump to work harder to transfer heat. This can lead to short cycling as the system compensates for the lost refrigerant.

Dirty Air Filter

If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow to the system. The unit will have to work harder to circulate air, leading to short-cycling. It’s important to check and replace the air filter regularly to prevent this issue. We recommend doing so every 30 to 90 days.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If the evaporator coils freeze, they can restrict airflow and cause the system to short-cycle. The coils can freeze if there is insufficient refrigerant or the air filter is dirty and restricting airflow. Replacing the air filter and adding more refrigerant can help to fix this problem.

If your heat pump is short-cycling, resolve the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Contact Kings Aire to help you troubleshoot problems and make any necessary HVAC repairs. We offer quality HVAC services to keep your home comfortable all year long.

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