Why Does My Heat Pump Turn On and Off So Often?

Heat pumps take at least 10 minutes to cool the average home in Punta Gorda, FL. Anything shorter than that should be cause for concern. In some cases, heat pumps will turn on and off rapidly without reaching your set point. Short cycling, as it’s called, can result from debris buildup, a faulty thermostat, or a mismatch between the heat pump and home’s size.

Clogged Air Filter

The air filter prevents pollutants from entering the air handler. After a while, it’ll clog, which can hinder air circulation. Without regular filter changes, the blower motor must work harder, eventually overheating and causing the whole system to shut down to prevent further damage.

Dirt Buildup on Coils

The evaporator and condenser coils transfer heat into and out of your home, but they get dirty over time. If not cleaned properly, the coils will struggle to transfer heat, which impacts your entire system. Along with yearly maintenance services, we can clean these coils and other interior components for you.

Uncalibrated Thermostat

Thermostats tell the system when to shut down based on their readings of the indoor temperature. If someone doesn’t adjust or calibrate the sensors, the thermostat may read the temperature as lower than the actual reading. That means the heat pump will shut down before reaching the temperature you want.

Oversized Heat Pump

The worst-case scenario is that your heat pump’s blowing capacity is too much for your home. Oversized systems will short cycle and run inefficiently, and no repair will fix it. You’ll need a brand-new heat pump installation.

If you live in Punta Gorda, FL, leave all your heat pump repairs to All American Heating & Cooling and call us today. Our NATE-certified service technicians can work with any make or model of ducted or ductless HVAC system. We’re BBB-accredited and boast a perfect A+ rating.

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