Why Does My Heat Pump Run Constantly?

Does your heat pump run all night, or all day, without ever seeming to stop? A short-cycling heat pump, where the unit continues to start and stop constantly, is one of the most commonly reported HVAC problems. If you need to troubleshoot your heat pump to get it to stop running constantly, you have come to the right place to learn more.

Heat Pump Troubleshooting Questions

Some signs of heat pump problems may be more obvious than others. If you are running your heat pump in the winter and notice that it is running for longer periods at a time than it did in the summer, this may be entirely normal—heat pumps often have longer run times at lower temperatures.

To demystify the behavior of your heat pump (and potentially save yourself a service appointment!), ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the outdoor unit running?
• Are all the windows and doors closed?
• Is the thermostat set too high or low?
• Is it possible that the thermostat is broken?
• Are the breakers tripped or off?
• Are the air filters clean?

The answers to these questions may mean finding the solution to your heat pump running constantly, without your having to schedule a maintenance check-up. If you have asked these questions and are still having heat pump cycling problems, the issue could be more involved. Keep reading to find out more.

Why Is My Heat Pump Running Constantly?

A heat pump that is running constantly can quickly become expensive due to the unit overworking itself and using up energy in your home. Without a timely fix, you may end up with a worn-out system that has to be replaced prematurely—and heating or cooling bills that are out of this world!

The following are common reasons your heat pump may not be running properly:

• Low refrigerant charge or blocked refrigerant system – Leaking refrigerant is dangerous for the environment, and it requires the help of a qualified HVAC contractor to resolve the issue.
• Poor system efficiency – Has it been a long time since you’ve had your heat pump serviced or cleaned? There may be debris clogging the system and rendering it ineffective. Other issues affecting performance may include a bad reversing valve or bad compressor valves.
• Iced-up unit – If you notice ice on your heat pump system, it may be due to an internal malfunction or due to poor weather conditions outside.
• Heat pump is blowing cold air – Heat pumps do not work the same way furnaces do, and being able to gauge the temperature of the air they are introducing into your home can take practice. If you believe your heat pump is blowing cold air, ask a technician for assistance.

Call Arronco for Heat Pump Repair in Northern Kentucky

Whether you need to schedule a heat pump repair or maintenance appointment or you just have a question, the experts at Arronco are here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about how heat pumps work or to find help to keep your HVAC system running better for longer!