Heat pumps are designed to keep your house warm in the winters. Even though they are quite effective in their jobs but not without flaws. There can be some irritating situations if homeowners ignore heat pump repair. It not only reduces the heat in your home but also causes a spike in the heating bill. With that said, one of the most common problems amongst heat pumps is the constant turning on and off. Let’s take a look into what exactly causes this problem.

Thermostat Problems

If you observe that your heat pump is constantly turning on and off, the first thing you might want to check is the thermostat. It is an important component of your home’s heating system that allows you to control heating and cooling. Not only that, it does much more than just keeping your house comfortable.

For instance, it tracks and records the humidity in the air and the general home environment to inform the heat pump when to turn on and off. In other words, the thermostat is the brain of the heat pump. If it were to malfunction, your heat pump will experience problems as well, which can increase the electricity bills.

Thermostat issues arise due to several reasons. For example, poor placement might impede the thermostat’s ability to record the temperature accurately. Additionally, it might also be that there is a short or a small wire that has gone bad. Furthermore, in most cases, thermostat issues are also related to improper programming.

Even if you have recently installed a new thermostat, it will fail to work properly due to not being calibrated. In this case, you will need to call a professional.

Clogged Air Filter

Air filter clogs are one of the biggest contributors to heat pump problems. These issues are caused by debris, dust, and pollen and can mostly be seen at the scene of the crime. As a result, the heat pump will struggle to breathe and will work harder to compensate for the loss of heat. This will lead to a significant reduction in heating efficiency.

Air filters are designed to do the same job in vehicles too. They block contaminants from entering the interior. If the air filters become clogged, the compressor will work harder and utilize more fuel, decreasing the economy of the vehicle.

The good news is that air filters are not difficult to replace. You should consult the user’s manual to see the manufacturer’s recommendations. Depending on the area where you live, you might want to replace them once or twice a year.

Make sure that you opt for the manufacturer-recommended air filter. Filters that are smaller or bigger will reduce the efficiency of the unit.

Refrigerant Leaks

Although refrigerant leaks rarely occur with new units but if you own a relatively older heat pump, you can expect some refrigerant leaks sooner or later. The problem with such leaks is that you will hardly notice them as they are hard to detect. However, a heat pump repeatedly turning on and off is a sure sign.

However, if you suspect a refrigerant leak, perform an inspection of the unit and see if you can find any ice or pooling liquid. If that is the case, you should not touch it as it can be harmful. You should immediately contact a professional who can help solve the issue.

Unfortunately, you cannot fix such issues on your own. If you are not aware of the basics, keep yourself away from the leaking refrigerant. It is usually odorless and colorless but toxic and harmful as well.

Wrong Sized Heat Pump

A heat pump will only be effective as long as it is of the appropriate size. If the unit as compared to the area is smaller, it will run constantly to keep up with the temperature. This calls for an increase in the monthly energy bills.

However, if the unit happens to be relatively bigger, it will short cycle. Furthermore, most heat pump manufacturers provide ratings that make it easy and simple for customers to select the right option according to the size of their house.

Therefore, take your time and select the option that matches your needs and preferences.

Final Word

Concluding, while some heat pump problems are easy to fix, others can be slightly complicated. Make sure that you purchase a heat pump of the right size and maintain it with the guidance of HVAC companies Tyson’s Corner to prevent expensive repairs and replacements down the road.