Heat pumps are an important part of any home heating and cooling system. They work by exchanging hot or cold air from inside your home with air outside – changing hot to cold in the summer and cold to hot in the winter. This configuration is a good option for those living in the Texas Panhandle. Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to having two separate systems – a furnace and an air conditioner, and keep your home’s interior temperature comfortable year-round.
With all the convenience this system offers, dealing with a malfunctioning heat pump can be stressful. If your heat pump starts “short cycling” or turning on and off without fully heating or cooling the space, it’s time to contact an HVAC technician for help.
At Frank’s, we offer heating and AC services, including heat pump repair. If your heat pump keeps turning on and off, we’ll diagnose and fix the underlying source of the issue.
Heat Pump Short Cycling Common Reasons
If your heat pump is cycling on and off, it may be due to the following reasons.
1. It’s the wrong size for your house
If you’ve just installed a new heat pump and it’s already short cycling, it could be because it’s too big for the space. An oversized heat pump heats the space too quickly, then shortens the cycles. You may need to change out the unit for a smaller size.
2. The air filter is dirty
When a heat pump’s air filter is clogged with particulates, the airflow becomes blocked. A clogged filter makes it more difficult for the system to produce regular temperatures, and causes it to turn on and off, working harder than it should to reach your ideal temperature.
3. It’s leaking refrigerant
If you hear hissing or bubbling sounds, your heat pump’s refrigerant might be leaking. It may be accompanied by an increase in your energy bill as your heat pump overcompensates. A leak causes the heat pump to burn out completely because it has to work harder to heat or cool the space, resulting in faster on-off cycling. If there’s a refrigerant leak, contact a professional to fix the source and recharge the fluid.
Alternatively, excessive refrigerant levels also disrupt the heat exchange process, so it’s important to consult with an experienced technician who understands your heat pump and how it functions.
4. The thermostat is malfunctioning
Various thermostat issues cause the heat pump to turn on and off rapidly. The thermostat senses the ambient temperature around the unit, so a malfunctioning thermostat could incorrectly signal the unit to start the cycle over when it’s not necessary.
5. Dirty or blocked coils
Like any HVAC unit, heat pumps are vulnerable to dust, grime, and other debris clogging the coils and making it more difficult for the unit to regulate temperature. Dirty coils cause your heat pump to overheat and start short cycling to keep its interior temperature down. Scheduling routine HVAC system maintenance can help you avoid this issue.
6. Outdoor debris is restricting airflow
Part of your heat pump is outdoors and susceptible to the elements. Over time, leaves, weeds, and other debris can collect, restricting the airflow and reducing the efficiency of your unit’s heat transfer. A regularly scheduled cleaning helps prevent this issue.
7. The heat pump is aging
Short cycling is a common issue in heat pumps over 15 years old. It’s a sign that the aged machinery is wearing out. If you have an aging heat pump, speak to an HVAC expert at Frank’s to learn about our convenient programmable heat pump models.
What to Do If Your Heat Pump Turns On and Off Repeatedly
A heat pump can run continuously during Amarillo’s coldest months when temperatures dip below 20°F. However, if the system turns on and off without fully heating your home, the best course of action is to turn it off and call a professional.
The skilled technicians at Frank’s will inspect your heat pump, check the air filter, refrigerant level, and thermostat, and ensure everything is set properly to suit your home’s unique needs. Trust us to give you an honest assessment of the problem and the most cost-effective solutions, whether it’s a quick maintenance job or a full replacement.
We encourage our customers to join our Diamond Club maintenance plan, which offers a free seasonal system inspection once a year, priority scheduling, discounted pricing, and no extra after-hours or holiday fees. You can rest assured you’ll be taken care of promptly, even if you need help on New Year’s Eve or during the height of the Texas Route 66 Festival.
Why You Should Not Ignore Heat Pump Short Cycling
You should never ignore heat pump short cycling because it’s a clear sign of an issue and a symptom that leads to bigger problems as time goes on. Continuous cycling creates strain on the unit, increasing wear and tear and shortening its lifespan. Ignoring short cycling ultimately costs you more in terms of repair and replacement costs.
At Frank’s, we’re proud to be Amarillo’s local heat pump experts. Contact us at the first sign of trouble with your heat pump, and we’ll be there at your earliest convenience to help.
Get Professional Help for Your Heat Pump Issues With Frank’s
Reach out to Frank’s Plumbing Repair for your heat pump issues. After our comprehensive diagnosis, we’ll help you find the best solution. We can recharge your refrigerant, repair or replace any faulty parts, correct system electrical issues, or recalibrate the thermostat so it reads temperatures properly.
We’re a family-owned company in Amarillo, delivering quality service to homes in Bushland, Panhandle, Canyon, Claude, Vega, Fritch, and beyond. If you need a skilled technician to inspect your heat pump, contact us by phone or fill out our online contact form.
