When a heat pump short cycles, it will turn on and then rapidly turn back off. It will never get the chance to complete a full heating or cooling cycle, and it can’t effectively regulate humidity. The following are four possible reasons why the heat pump in your Apex, NC home is short cycling.
1. Your Heat Pump Has a Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters are a common cause of short cycling. With dirty filters, HVAC systems have a harder time drawing air in and moving it.
Take your system’s air filter out and hold it up to an overhead light. If light can still pass through a filter’s mesh, air can move through it as well. To avoid filter-related short-cycling in the future, check your system’s filter monthly.
2. Your HVAC System Is Too Large
Finding the right HVAC capacity for any home involves more than measuring square footage. We use the Manual J Load Calculation to ensure accurate equipment sizing during HVAC installation. This accounts for household sizes, window sizes, ceiling heights and many other pertinent factors.
When HVAC equipment is too large for its service area, it short cycles. An oversized, short-cycling heat pump is inefficient. It can also leave you with a humid and uncomfortable indoor climate.
3. Your Thermostat May Be Malfunctioning
Your thermostat governs all of your HVAC system’s operations. If your HVAC system keeps cycling off and on, it may be getting the wrong signals from your thermostat. Schedule thermostat repairs or general HVAC maintenance to have your thermostat tested, cleaned and calibrated.
4. There’s a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is the lifeblood of your system’s heating and cooling operations. If your heat pump has a refrigerant leak, it might not have enough to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, you should turn your heat pump off and schedule service right away.
We’ve been helping homeowners maintain comfortable, healthy homes since 1951. For top-rated heat pump service in Apex, NC, call Lee Air Conditioning today!
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