If your heat pump is turning on and off in your home, you’re sacrificing more than just your comfort. This issue is referred to as short cycling. Not only does it make it difficult for your system to maintain a consistent indoor temperature, but it also leads to wasted energy and extra strain on its internal components.
Our HVAC experts at Carolina Custom Air have dealt with this problem many times, so we are here to discuss the hazards of heat pump short cycling, along with common causes and what homeowners can do to attempt to troubleshoot the issue.
What Is Short Cycling & Why Is It a Problem?
Heat pump short cycling happens when the system turns on and off too quickly, without completing a full heating or cooling cycle. While a normal cycle may take 10 to 20 minutes, you might be experiencing short cycling if your heat pump is running every few minutes. This frequent on/off pattern is a signal that something is wrong.
When short cycling, your system will experience increased wear and tear on critical components, especially compressors. These parts end up working harder than they should to attempt to get your indoors to the ideal temperature, resulting in higher energy usage, increased utility bills, and reduced overall comfort.
Common Causes of a Heat Pump Turning On & Off
There are many reasons why your heat pump may be short cycling. The most common causes include:
- Dirty air filters: Clogged filters reduce airflow to your system, which can result in overheating or freezing. This can cause your system to automatically shut off and restart once it cools down.
- Low refrigerant: Low refrigerant levels create a pressure imbalance inside your heat pump’s compressor, causing the safety switch to shut it off.
- Sizing issues: If your heat pump is too large for your home, it may heat or cool your home too quickly and cause the system to shut down before completing a full cycle.
- Thermostat issues: A thermostat malfunction may result in misread room temperatures that cause your system to turn on and off prematurely.
- Dirty coils: Pressure sensors can shut off your heat pump if dirt or debris is preventing efficient heat transfer through the coils.
What Homeowners Can Do Before Calling a Professional
Before requesting HVAC repairs in South Carolina, homeowners can attempt to troubleshoot heat pump short-cycling with these simple steps:
- Check and replace the air filter
- Check that all vents and registers are open and unobstructed
- Clean away any debris or ice from your outdoor unit
- Reset the system at the breaker
Call Carolina Custom Air for Heat Pump Repairs
If your heat pump is short cycling, don’t leave the issue unaddressed. Schedule professional heat pump repairs with Carolina Custom Air to improve your comfort, increase efficiency, and protect your system from serious damage. Our licensed and insured team is experienced and respectful, ensuring that your service includes an unparalleled level of attention to detail. Plus, we offer service for all makes and models of equipment.
Is your heat pump turning on and off quickly in the Charleston area? Schedule heat pump repairs today with Carolina Custom Air to restore your comfort.
