Why Won’t My Heat Pump Shut Off in Richmond, VA?

Like all other kinds of HVAC systems, heat pumps should pass through cycles of action and rest as the temperature in your Richmond, VA home changes. If the system refuses to turn off periodically, it can sustain significant damage, so you need to discover the source of this problem. Read on to learn about some issues that can contribute to a constantly running heat pump.

Refrigerant Leaks

During a typical cycle in heating mode, refrigerant should absorb heat from outdoor air while it moves through the evaporator coils to the compressor. The refrigerant becomes even hotter and then goes to the condenser coils, where it will eventually condense and release heat into your home. If your heat pump loses refrigerant, its ability to move heat will diminish, and it may continue to run for extended periods of time.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

Even if your system has enough refrigerant, dirt on your evaporator coils may prevent that refrigerant from absorbing enough heat to be able to make meaningful changes to your home’s temperature. Luckily, HVAC technicians can clean debris off of your system’s evaporator coils as part of a maintenance sweep.

An Undersized System

To receive the best performance from your heat pump, you must ensure that it’s the proper size for your home. If your system is too small for your home, it will probably struggle to produce the indoor climate that you desire.

If your heat pump is too small and weak to heat your home, your thermostat will constantly send signals to keep it working. The only lasting solution is to replace your heat pump with one of the correct size.

If your heat pump refuses to shut off, you must take immediate action. Call Foster Plumbing & Heating, and sign up for the best heat pump services in Richmond, VA.

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