Why Is My Heat Pump Short-Cycling in Wilmington, NC?

A heat pump should warm your home in Wilmington, NC, in a cycle of 10 to 15 minutes. Anything faster than that is a bad thing. What causes short-cycling in heat pumps is usually a clogged filter, refrigerant leak, faulty control board or incorrect sizing.

Dirty Air Filter

Filters need to be replaced every 30-90 days or else the dirt and debris they collect will obstruct airflow. Any blockage to airflow forces the blower motor to work harder to do its job, which can lead to overheating and a premature shutdown.

Refrigerant Leak

Without refrigerant, the chemical that absorbs and releases heat, your system will quickly overheat because of the extra burden placed on it, ending the cycle abruptly. Have a service tech check for leaks in your refrigerant line, as the pipes will corrode over time.

Thermostat or Control Board Issue

Maybe nothing is wrong with the heat pump, but the thermostat might tell it to turn off before it has achieved the set point. This happens when the thermostat’s sensors lose their calibration and think the home is warmer than the actual temperature. If the thermostat isn’t faulty, maybe it’s the limit switch.

Oversized Heat Pump

Lastly, a heat pump too big for the home it’s in will heat quickly and inefficiently. Only a brand-new heat pump installation will solve this. If this is your situation, we’ll help you select an appropriate replacement after properly taking into account the home’s size, its rate of heat loss, its insulation levels and other factors.

If you’re in Wilmington, NC, contact Pleasant Air Inc. today to have us inspect and repair your heat pump. Though we’re a Trane Comfort Specialist, we service all makes and models. Our service techs are NATE-certified, and thanks to continual training, they’re familiar with the latest HVAC technologies.

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