Your heat pump shouldn’t run constantly to control the climate in your Caroline, VA, home. Instead, it should go through a series of heating or air conditioning cycles. If it behaves in any other way, this is a surefire sign of trouble. Here are some reasons a heat pump might run continuously.
Refrigerant Leak
Your heat pump needs refrigerant to perform heat transfer. If any of it leaks out, the system won’t be able to do this effectively. It’ll have to work constantly to control the climate in your home.
One of the telltale signs of a refrigerant leak is a hissing noise. Never attempt to replace refrigerant on your own. Instead, have a professional do it during a service repair call or maintenance visit right away.
Clogged Filters
If the filters your heat pump uses become excessively clogged with debris, air won’t be able to flow properly. This will diminish the overall effectiveness of the system, which may lead to it having difficulty shutting down. Remember to replace your heat pump filters at least once every 90 days.
Thermostat Issues
Another possible explanation for why your heat pump won’t shut off may actually have nothing directly to do with your system at all. Its behavior depends on the signals it receives from your thermostat. Therefore, if your system is running constantly, a problem with your thermostat may cause the device to send inappropriate signals.
For example, your thermostat may simply be old, or it may have some kind of wiring issue that prevents it from issuing commands correctly. It’s also possible that you may have placed your thermostat in a part of your home that’s too hot or cold, causing the device to make non-representative temperature readings. Your thermostat may then force your system to work when it’s unnecessary.
If you notice your heat pump running constantly, we recommend taking action as soon as possible. Call Custom/Design Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule our HVAC services and let our team diagnose and fix the problem.
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