Why Does My Heat Pump Turn On and Off So Often?

Constant short cycling, those bursts of operation followed by quick shutdowns, can be frustrating and costly. They can also interfere with the comfort in your Danville, CA, home. Here are some possible reasons your heat pump keeps starting and stopping and how to get it working correctly again:

Air Filter Fiasco

Imagine your heat pump trying to breathe through a clogged scarf. That’s what happens with a dirty air filter. Restricted airflow makes reaching the desired temperature a struggle, leading to short cycles as the system constantly tries and fails to catch its breath.

Replace your air filter regularly for optimal performance. Experts recommend performing this task every 30 to 90 days.

Coil Chaos

Think of your heat pump’s coils as heat exchange highways. Over time, debris, such as dust and pollen, can clog these highways. Reduced efficiency means the system must work harder and cycle more frequently to reach the destination, which is your desired temperature.

Thermostat Tweaks Needed

Sometimes, the answer lies in a simple adjustment. If your thermostat temperature swing (the difference between turning on and off) is set too narrowly, the heat pump will cycle more often to maintain a very specific temperature. Try adjusting the swing setting by a few degrees to allow for a slightly larger temperature range and potentially reduce short cycling.

Refrigerant on the Run

Refrigerant is the magic potion that keeps your home comfortable. A leak can deplete this magic and make it harder for the system to effectively regulate temperature. In a desperate attempt to compensate, the heat pump might cycle more often.

Oversized Heat Pump

An oversized heat pump can also be the culprit. If the system is too powerful for your home, it can reach the desired temperature very quickly and shut off just as fast. Consulting a professional who specializes in air conditioning and heating installations can help ensure you have the right-sized heat pump for your needs.

Don’t let short cycling cause you to feel uncomfortable this summer. Call Contra Costa Climate Control to schedule our AC repair services straight away.

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