You should expect your ductless heat pump to cycle two or three times per hour, but there are a number of issues that may cause it to cycle more frequently or run longer than it should.
An inappropriately sized heat pump might cycle too often. Abnormal humidity could also impact the frequency of heat pump cycles. Hardware failures or refrigerant leaks could also cause your heat pump to cycle more often or run longer than it should during cycles.
How Long Should a Heat Pump Run When It Turns On?
Between 10 and 15 minutes is the average amount of time for an on cycle. If a heat pump must run longer than that, it may not be properly sized for the space. It might also have various unmet maintenance or repair needs that are preventing it from operating efficiently.
The heat pump should shut off automatically once it reaches the temperature you set on the thermostat. If everything is working properly, it probably shouldn’t take 30 minutes for the temperature-controlled space to reach the desired temperature.
The length of a cycle might be longer if you’re just getting home from work and the heat pump has been off all day. In that case it may need to run longer than normal to reach the target temperature, but once it has, the cycle length and frequency should go back to normal.
How to Make Your Heat Pump Cycle Less Frequently
A heat pump that runs too long or cycles on and off too frequently can be annoying and distracting. A heat pump that runs too much might also use more electricity than it should to heat or cool your home.
Abnormal heat pump run time or cycling suggests the unit is suffering from some kind of problem. The problem may be repair or maintenance-related, size related, or caused by age.
The first thing you should do is check the air filter. This is one thing most heat pump owners will be able to do on their own without needing to call a professional. Clean the filter and replace it. If you don’t notice any improvement, it’s likely time to call a ductless heat pump expert at Valley Home Services.
In some cases, cycling or performance problems might be related to the thermostat on the heat pump. A faulty thermostat might trick the heat pump into thinking it needs to be running more frequently than necessary. There could also potentially be issues with loose wiring or electrical components that need to be fixed or replaced. A heat pump repair specialist should be able to diagnose the problem and fix it.
Some ductless heat pumps are just old and may be experiencing persistent problems that necessitate replacement. Although many heat pump components can be fixed or replaced, the cost could be high. If you’re needing to get frequent, expensive repairs performed on your heat pump, it may make more sense to replace it.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Short cycling might be caused by frozen evaporator coils, which is a potential issue for Maine home and business owners in the winter. Heat pumps should have built-in defrosters that can melt ice buildup to allow the heat pump to function normally. Heat pumps sold and installed by Valley Home Services, are designed to operate efficiently in cold temperatures.
Our team is committed to making sure our clients get the heating or cooling performance they expect from their investment. That’s why we’ll never sell you a heat pump that will struggle to function properly or efficiently when the temperatures get low.
Get Help With Your Heat Pump in Bangor
If you live in or around Bangor and you’re concerned there’s something wrong with your heat pump because it seems like it’s cycling more frequently than normal, give us a call at (800) 316-7815. We’ll dispatch a ductless heat pump specialist as soon as possible to diagnose the issue and recommend solutions.
At Valley Home Services, we’ve focused our business on heat pumps and residential generators. Our specialization in these specific aspects of home comfort makes our team exceptionally qualified to handle any ductless mini-split heat pump problems you may experience.
