Why Does My Heat Pump in Flagler Beach, FL, Short Cycle?

Short cycling occurs when a heat pump in Flagler Beach, FL, shuts down before completing a heating or cooling cycle. The causes of short cycling can range from simple issues to near-complete system failures. We’ll explore some of the common causes of heat pump short cycling and what to do about them.

Clogged Air Filter

Air filters help protect your heat pump by removing airborne contaminants but can also strain the system when neglected. A clogged filter prevents the refrigerant from absorbing or expelling heat as intended. Check your filter monthly to prevent a clog, and expect to replace smaller filters every 30 to 90 days.

Insufficient Refrigerant

Without the right amount of refrigerant, the compressor cannot operate properly. A refrigerant leak is almost always the cause of insufficient refrigerant. To prevent this, a service technician will check the refrigerant level during routine heat pump maintenance.

Thermostat Problems

As the brain of the system, a thermostat can have a range of problems that’ll cause short cycling. If it’s installed on an interior wall away from windows and supply vents, the most common issue is age.

Thermostats have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, after which time the sensors may stop registering temperature accurately. This creates the ideal situation for the thermostat to sense the wrong temperature and terminate a cycle prematurely.

Faulty Control Board

While the thermostat controls when to start and stop heating and cooling cycles, the control board manages the cycle. It receives input from all the sensors and manages processes like the defrost cycle. An issue with the control board causes the system to react to faulty input.

Short cycling prevents your heat pump from keeping your home comfortable and adds excessive wear. If you notice your system running frequent short cycles but your air filter is clean, call to schedule heat pump repair services with our experienced service technicians at Arctic Breeze Air Conditioning & Heating.

Image provided by iStock