Why Does My Heat Pump Constantly Turn On and Off in Chandler, AZ?

When your Chandler, AZ heat pump constantly turns on and off, it’s called short-cycling, and this is not normal. Unless the outside temperature is below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a normal cycle should last 10 to 15 minutes. Consider what causes heat pump short-cycling and what you can do to prevent the damage that comes from this.

Low Refrigerant

Your heat pump uses refrigerant to transfer heat between your house and the outside air in both heating and cooling. When that refrigerant is low, the system freezes up, causing it to shut down.

Most modern heat pumps have a sensor that shuts down the compressor to protect it if the system freezes. The less refrigerant in the system, the faster it will freeze over. The best way to keep an eye on this is to have routine heat pump maintenance, which will include checking the refrigerant level.

Clogged Air Filter

A clogged air filter prevents air from circulating through the system, and this inhibits the heat transfer process. When the system cannot transfer heat, it may cause it to freeze up, similar to a low refrigerant situation.

Keep an eye on your air filter and replace it as it gets dirty enough to prevent air from flowing through. When you check the filter, vacuum off the loose dirt from the intake side to help extend its efficiency and life.

Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls when the heat pump cycles on and off based on temperature. However, when the thermostat is faulty or improperly placed, it can trigger short-cycling.

Thermostats that are 10 or more years old may have issues with the temperature sensor, leading to constant cycling. If you think your thermostat is having issues, plan to have it replaced.

Keep your heat pump ready to both heat and cool your home throughout the year. Call to schedule your heat pump service with one of the expert technicians at Chandler Air today.

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