Why Is My Heat Pump Turning On and Off Frequently?

Homeowners in Crofton, generally favor heat pumps for their energy efficiency and dual heating and cooling capabilities. However, like any HVAC system, they can develop issues that impact performance.

One of the more frustrating problems a homeowner can face is when their heat pump turns on and off repeatedly. This issue can lead to increased wear and tear on the system, a spike in energy bills, and decreased home comfort.

So, what exactly is going on—and how can you fix it? Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling has the answers!

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What Is Short Cycling?
• Causes of Heat Pump Short Cycling
• How Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling Can Help

What Is Short Cycling?

The continuous on-and-off behavior is known as short cycling. When a heat pump short cycles, it fails to complete a full heating or cooling cycle. Instead, it turns on for a short time, shuts off abruptly, and then starts back up again shortly after. This cycle can repeat over and over, making the system work harder while achieving less.

Not only is short cycling inefficient, but it can also shorten the lifespan of your heat pump. Since it requires more frequent starts, components like compressors and fan motors can wear out prematurely. On top of that, your home in Crofton, may never feel truly comfortable because the unit can’t maintain a steady indoor temperature.

Causes of Heat Pump Short Cycling

If your heat pump is short cycling, it’s important to diagnose the problem early. Below are four of the most common causes and what you should do to correct them.

1. Air Filter Clogs Lead to Short Cycling

Whenever your heat pump has a problem, always start by checking the air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow and put stress on the system. When air can’t circulate properly, the heat pump may overheat or struggle to sense the room’s temperature, triggering it to shut off early. Then, once it cools down, it restarts—repeating the cycle.

The solution is simple: replace or clean your air filter, depending on whether it’s disposable or reusable. As a general rule, filters should be inspected every 1–3 months and changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area.

Keeping your filter clean ensures your heat pump can “breathe” properly, which supports longer cycles, better comfort, and improved energy efficiency throughout your Maryland home.

2. Thermostat Errors and Short Cycling

If your thermostat is giving inaccurate readings, your heat pump may turn off before your home reaches the set temperature. This can often be traced back to the thermostat’s placement. If installed too close to a vent, window, or heat source (like direct sunlight), it might falsely detect that the home has reached the desired temperature, triggering an early shutoff.

Another possibility is faulty wiring between your thermostat and the heat pump, causing the system to receive mixed signals.

Either way, it’s best to have one of our certified professionals from Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling inspect the system and thermostat. We can recalibrate, relocate, or replace your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately communicating with your HVAC system.

3. Short Cycling Caused by Leaky Refrigerant

Refrigerant is critical to your heat pump’s ability to heat and cool. During summer, the refrigerant absorbs heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors. In winter, the process reverses to draw heat into your home. If your system develops a refrigerant leak, it won’t be able to transfer heat effectively.

As a result, the unit struggles to meet the temperature setting, and short cycling can occur. One common sign of a refrigerant issue is ice buildup on your outdoor unit, especially during warmer weather. You might also notice a hissing sound, warm air blowing during cooling mode, or extended cycle times.

Refrigerant handling should always be done by a licensed HVAC technician. If you suspect a leak, contact one of our skilled experts at Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling to safely repair it and recharge your system.

4. Oversized Unit Is the Primary Short Cycling Reason

This is one of the most serious—and unfortunately, common—causes of short cycling. If your heat pump is too large for your home, it will heat or cool the space very quickly, then shut off prematurely because it thinks it’s done. However, because it didn’t run long enough to properly circulate air or manage humidity, the system kicks back on soon after.

This leads to constant cycling, high humidity, uneven temperatures, and high energy bills. Oversized systems also experience more mechanical stress, which can shorten their lifespan.

How Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling Can Help

At Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling, we always perform proper load calculations before recommending or installing any HVAC equipment.

Using tools like the ACCA Manual J Load Calculation, we determine the exact capacity your home requires. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper sizing improves energy efficiency, indoor air quality, comfort, and overall system performance.

If your heat pump was installed without a Manual J test, we highly recommend scheduling one to determine whether resizing is necessary.

Call Us for All Your Heat Pump Needs

If your heat pump in Crofton, is short cycling or not performing as it should, don’t wait. These issues can worsen over time and lead to expensive repairs or replacements.

Contact our team at Bay Breeze Heating & Cooling today at 443-294-5111. We’re happy to inspect your system, diagnose the problem, and provide expert solutions to keep your home comfortable year-round.

You can also request-service-online. Whether it’s maintenance, repair, or a full system replacement, we’re here to help you get the most from your heat pump investment.