If the heat pump in your Gurnee, IL, home has started short-cycling, it means that it has begun turning off before it completes its heat transfer cycles. This behavior is so destructive that, without intervention, it can eventually cause the total breakdown of your system. To help you avoid the negative consequences, we’d like to share some information on why your heat pump may be short-cycling.
Refrigerant Leaks
During each of its heating cycles, your heat pump circulates refrigerant between its outdoor and indoor units and allows it to evaporate and condense. Each cycle of evaporation and condensation allows for the absorption and release of heat.
The quantity of refrigerant in your system determines how much heat transfer occurs per cycle. If the refrigerant leaks out of your heat pump, this will curtail the length of each cycle and force your system to perform more of them to keep you comfortable.
However, such short-cycling is damaging and diminishes performance. Furthermore, the refrigerant is toxic, so you should never attempt to replace it or plug leaks on your own. Trained professionals can do this for you as part of heat pump repair services.
Airflow Blockages
Debris can crowd into your heat pump and restrict the flow of air. If this happens, less treated air will reach your home, which may cause your system to overheat and shut down before eventually cooling down and returning to operation. A repetition of this will cause short-cycling.
This is why it’s important to replace your filter once every three months. To clean debris out of other areas, you should also request maintenance services at least once per year.
Excessive Heat Pump Size
If your heat pump is too large for your home, it may begin short-cycling while heating or cooling your home unevenly. If your system is too large, you’ll need to replace it with a smaller one. Consulting a professional is the smartest course of action to determine if you need a heat pump replacement.
You must be ready to take action as soon as you discover that your heat pump has begun short-cycling. Call Herchenbach Mechanical Inc. today to get the best air conditioning and heating services around Gurnee, IL.
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