Short-cycling is when your heat pump runs shorter, more frequent heating or cooling cycles. The result is less comfort in your home, a significant reduction in efficiency, additional repairs and a shorter service life. Consider these common reasons your heat pump in Chino, CA, is short-cycling.
Clogged Air Filter
Your entire system depends on its ability to circulate air to transfer heat to and from your home. A clogged air filter inhibits that air circulation, leading to extreme temperatures at the coils. These extreme temperatures trip a limit switch, turning the system off until they return to a normal operating temperature.
System Size Mismatch
BTUs are the standard heat pump measurement and indicate how much heat the unit can transfer in a single hour. Oversized units cause the system to shut down before properly conditioning your home’s air.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat is the brain of your system, controlling when it cycles on and off. If your thermostat is near a window or directly above a floor register, it may not read the temperature of your home accurately. The thermostat will register the temperature of the conditioned air, but not the actual air temperature.
Malfunctioning Control Board
The control board works with the thermostat to control your heating and cooling cycles. Specifically, it monitors the internal conditions of your system, starting and stopping various cycle processes at the appropriate time. If the control board malfunctions, due to either age or damage, it’ll cause the system to short-cycle.
Low Refrigerant
Your heat pump cannot work without the proper amount of refrigerant, which is responsible for transferring heat. Even a small leak in your system may cause the refrigerant levels to drop enough to freeze your coils, causing your system to shut down. Catching low refrigerant early happens when a service technician tests it during routine maintenance.
Keep your heat pump running efficiently and with minimal strain by staying current with your maintenance. Call to schedule your heat pump maintenance visit with our expert service technicians at Metz Air Control today.
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