Heat Pumps: Why Do They Frequently Turn On And Off?
Heat pumps are crucial in maintaining a comfortable indoor space without incurring a high heating cost. This is because they are designed to conserve energy by constantly cycling on and off on a need basis. That said, there are times your heat pump can easily turn on continuously and in short cycles. When this happens, you may deal with high energy bills, not to mention component failure leading to expensive repairs. Here is a quick guide on why this happens and how a heat pump service expert can help.
Clogged Air Filters
These are crucial to the proper functioning of the heating unit. This is because they keep dust particles and debris from accessing the system to allow clean air circulation. That said, with time, they can easily clog with dirt and exert a lot of pressure on the fan. Note that too much pressure on the fan to deliver heated air will force the unit to turn on and off frequently. To remedy this issue, call a heating service expert to check and replace the air filter periodically.
Leaking Coolant
Refrigerant is necessary for the proper function of your heating unit. Essentially, it allows your unit to cool to avoid overheating. However, in the event of a leak, the compressor overworks and eventually overheats, shutting down. When this happens, your unit will experience an on-off pattern sequence. In such cases, a repair expert can trace the leak using a pressure test and seal the crack. Additionally, they will refill the refrigerant to ensure your heat pump does not overheat and shut on and off frequently.
Poor Sealing
Your heating unit needs the best insulation possible to ensure proper operation. However, if you live in an old house, the unit could be exposed to cold air from the outside, forcing it to work extra hard to provide an appropriate temperature in your living space. Ultimately, this can lead to constant turning on and off. If this is the case, upgrading the insulation in your home can ensure cold outside air does not interfere with the proper running of your system.
Thermostat Breakdowns
The thermostat is an important part of the entire heating system. After all, it is the device that controls the temperature in your living space, depending on your preferred setting. However, if the device fails, your heat pump will constantly turn on and off as it will receive varying signals. Hence, ensure your thermostat has good batteries and is set correctly to communicate with your heating unit.
As you can see, various issues can lead to your heating unit turning on and off frequently. So, call a local heat pump service professional to assess your unit and provide repairs to restore proper heating cycles.
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