Why Does My Heat Pump in White City, OR, Short Cycle?

Barring any extreme temperatures in White City, OR, the typical heating cycle for a heat pump should last 10 to 15 minutes. Anything shorter would mean something is wrong. Here are a few problems that could explain why your heat pump is short cycling and what you should do about it:

Overheating Issue

As a safety measure, heat pumps shut down when the internal components overheat, which naturally means they won’t finish their cycle. Overheating can occur for a number of reasons, the most common being an airflow obstruction. Make sure you’re replacing the filter in your return vent at least every three months, and keep all supply vents open.

Also, schedule yearly maintenance since this will keep the heat pump’s internal components clean. Dirt and dust buildup on the evaporator coil creates insulation and raises temperatures to the point that overheating may occur.

Incorrect Temperature Readings

Thermostats need calibration now and then or else they’re liable to misread the indoor temperature. If yours thinks the home is warmer than it is, it’ll shut the heat pump down before you’re comfortable. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart model for more precise temperature control.

Oversized Heat Pump

Bigger doesn’t mean better in the HVAC field. Oversized heat pumps will heat a small area quickly and inefficiently. No repair will fix this, though, so you would need to get a new system before the current one breaks down from so much premature wear and tear.

Our team at Kennedy Fuel Co. has been providing heat pump repairs and installation work in White City since 1929, so call us today for an inspection. Though we’re a Daikin Comfort Pro, we service all makes and models of ducted heat pumps and mini-splits. We back our results with a client satisfaction guarantee, too.

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