For most homeowners, having the heat pump running constantly can be quite confusing. This is because most are usually not sure whether or not that is supposed to happen. So, is it normal for your heat pump to run constantly or should you be worried? We will answer that in the article below.
Galmiche & Sons has been providing HVAC services to the residents of St. Louis and the greater region for many years. If you would like an answer as to why your heat pump is running constantly or clarification on any heating & air conditioning issue, do not hesitate to call us. Simply reach us at 314-993-1110.
Should My Heat Pump Be Running Constantly?
Most heat pumps will run constantly during the cold weather. This means that it is normal for your heat pump to be running constantly during winter when the temperatures are at or below 30 degrees.
However, if the heat pump is running constantly in the cooling mode during the summer, then there could be a problem. There are a couple of things that could be the cause of this and that you may be able to check out before calling in the professionals. These include:
- Is the air filter clean?
- Have you set the thermostat properly?
- Is the outdoor unit running?
- Is the condensate pump plugged in?
If you check all these and your heat pump is still running constantly, then you may have a bigger problem that will need an expert’s opinion.
Common Reasons for Your Heat Pump Running Constantly
If your heat pump is running constantly, even when it is not particularly cold outside, one of these four problems could be the cause.
- Refrigerant leak: The heat pump usually uses a refrigerant to absorb and transfer heat from the outside air into your home. In the event there is a leak, the refrigerant levels will be low causing the heat pump to work harder to absorb the heat. This can cause the heat pump to run constantly.
- Running in AC mode: Heat pumps are designed to switch between cooling and heating by reversing the direction of the refrigerant. However, the heat pump can get stuck in the AC mode if there is something wrong with the solenoid valve. This will result in the heat pump running constantly without ever reaching your desired temperature.
- An undersized system: HVAC systems should be properly sized to ensure efficiency. An undersized heat pump will run constantly trying to achieve the desired temperature but will never actually fully heat or cool your home.
- The outdoor unit is not running: The outdoor unit of a heat pump is responsible for absorbing heat and transferring it indoors during heating mode. If the outdoor unit is not working, then you will have an indoor system that is constantly running without any heating results.
Call Galmiche & Sons for More Information on Heat Pump Troubleshooting
Having your heat pump running constantly can either be normal or not, depending on the circumstances. So if you think that there could be a problem, you should call our technicians to have a look. In the greater St. Louis area, contact us at 314-993-1110 today so we can address your heating & air conditioning problems.
