Any new device or system you install has a learning curve that needs to be overcome. Sometimes, it may feel as if technology has a mind of its own, when in reality we may not fully comprehend how to manage specific operations. Heat pumps are a great system many Canadians opt for. But just like any system, they require a user being informed to ensure functionality with ease. If you’ve recently installed a heat pump and noticed it is constantly running, don’t stress. We’ll uncover a few reasons why this may be occurring, and what to do in these instances.

Heat Pump Continues to Run After Reaching Desired Temperature

Blower Fan Settings
The true culprit may not actually be your heat pump in some cases. A common error many homeowners make when determining the settings for their heat pump, as well as furnace and air conditioner, is setting the thermostat fan to “ON”. When this action is carried out, it informs your system to repeatedly be on and running without a pause. Instead, it is best to set your thermostat to “AUTO” to allow the blower fan to run when necessary, and switch off once desired temperatures are reached. This ensures that you give your heat pump the opportunity to operate effectively and shut on or off when need be.

Malfunctioned Blower Relay Switch
If you find that your thermostat is set to “AUTO” and your heat pump is still running nonstop, then your problem may be more complex. There is a possibility that the blower relay switch could be experiencing a malfunction that causes a halt in communication with the thermostat. This impairment will lead the fan to proceed with operations even when the heat pump is turned off. In this case you may have an easy fix; set the thermostat fan to “OFF” then back to “AUTO”. If the issue proceeds, you may need to call in an HVAC technician to replace the blower relay.

Heat Pump Continues to Run Without Reaching Desired Temperature

Heat Pump Competing Against Drafts
A reason your heat pump is constantly running may be as a result of its environment. If the heat pump is competing with a strong flow of cool air, it will indeed be inefficient. Ensuring that all windows and doors are closed, as well as winterizing your home will help in preventing this from occurring.

Weather Impacts
It’s no secret that Toronto winters are frigid and harsh at times. During these months, the heat pump’s external coil can experience ice build up. Even though a heat pump is designed to melt off ice build up, there are some cases where the ice becomes too thick for the system to deal with, resulting in a system malfunction. If the defrost cycle fails, power cycling the heat pump or calling in an HVAC technician is your solution to this issue.

System Issues
Refrigerant leak, damaged compressor contactor, or malfunctioning condensate pump are all system issues that can transpire by accident. These issues are common occurrences resulting from a lack of maintenance and system breakdown. These issues are best handled by a certified HVAC technician, which you can reach by calling Maple Air Heating and Cooling, serving the Greater Toronto Area.

Installing a proportionally sized heat pump by a certified technician is a key component to guarantee you start off on the right track. Furthermore, consistent maintenance will assure proper operations and catch any concerning issues early on. Whether it be external or internal factors, Maple Air Heating and Cooling is always here to assist you with any of your heat pump repair, maintenance, or replacement needs. Contact us today if your heat pump is constantly running and you cannot determine the root issue. Remember, there’s always a solution to every problem.

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