If your home in Black Mountain, NC has a heat pump, it should provide efficient comfort all year round. If you don’t have the right-sized heating and cooling system, that won’t happen, and you’ll be left uncomfortable. Here are four signs that should alert you to the fact you have an incorrectly sized heat pump and need to purchase a new one.
1. Constantly Running or Cycling
While it’s normal for a heat pump to run continuously in the winter, the opposite is true in the summer. So, if your heat pump stays on constantly in the summer, it’s probably too small for your home. The other problem is it will not be able to remove the heat fast enough from the indoor air to reach your desired temperature.
On the other hand, if your heat pump cycles on and off constantly throughout the year, it may be too large for your home. Continuous cycling happens because the system is cooling your home faster than it should. While that may sound like a good thing, it’s a very inefficient way to cool an area.
An ideally sized heat pump should come on roughly three times per hour for 15 to 20 minutes. Something needs to be fixed if it’s coming on more often and for shorter durations. It’s a condition called short cycling, yet another sign your system is too large.
2. Uneven Indoor Temperatures
A properly sized heat pump should be capable of getting your home to the desired temperature and keeping it there. However, if it’s the wrong size, you may notice uneven temperatures in various areas.
If your heat pump is too large, you’ll have a different problem. It will produce rapid temperature swings every time it cycles on or off. Although that might not sound too bad, it will cause significant discomfort to everyone in your home, including your beloved pets.
3. Higher Than Expected Bills
One of the best things about heat pumps is their efficiency. They should cost less to operate than comparable HVAC systems when they’re working well. However, that may not happen if you have an incorrectly sized system.
A heat pump that’s too small will run longer than it should have to, costing you additional funds every month. And one that’s too large will use more electricity due to constant compressor cycling. Either way, you’ll end up with higher-than-expected energy bills.
4. Frequent Breakdowns
Another sign that you might have the wrong-sized heat pump is that it breaks down often. This happens because of the added wear and tear that an incorrectly sized system experiences. So, if your heat pump needs professional attention more often than you think it should, seek help from a trusted HVAC company.
A heat pump that’s too small will run so often that the motor might wear out prematurely. One that’s too large may develop compressor issues sooner than it otherwise would. The only solution to the problem is investing in a replacement system that fits perfectly in your home.
Otherwise, you’ll find that the cost of repairs will soon equal or exceed the cost of a new installation. An experienced HVAC technician will have the tools and knowledge to evaluate your household and recommend a system that meets all of your comfort needs. Will you still have to pay additional for maintenance? Yes, but the consequences of not maintaining it will cost you a pretty penny in the end.
If you suspect your heat pump is the wrong size, reach out to the experts at Gentry Service Group. Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to help! We only hire team members with the highest technical expertise, and our best-in-class products simply can’t be beaten! Plus, you’ll receive a one-year parts and labor warranty on all repairs. Want to take it a step further? Sign up for an Energy Savings Agreement and enjoy the additional perks!
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