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7 Signs of an Improperly Sized Heat Pump

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7 Signs of an Improperly Sized Heat Pump 

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home in Golden, CO, but you need the right size for your space for it to work properly. Knowing what signs to look for can help determine if you have a properly sized heat pump and when to call a professional for help.

1. The Heat Pump Is Running Constantly

When your heat pump is too small for the area it is trying to cool or heat, it will struggle to keep the area at a comfortable temperature and will wind up running much longer than usual to do so. Due to the heat pump’s limited capacity to handle the additional heat load, it may also result in uneven temperatures throughout your home.

If your heat pump is constantly running, you should get a professional to help with load calculation and ensure you have the right heat pump size for your home. This will avoid extra strain on the system, which can cause earlier breakdowns.

2. Strange Noises

If your heat pump is too small, it will strain harder to achieve the desired temperature and may make more noise than normal. This is because a mid-sized unit will have to work much harder to keep up with the demands of the space.

Also, noise may indicate an issue, such as inadequate airflow. If you notice any strange notices coming from your heat pump, it is important to have a qualified HVAC technician come and inspect the unit and install the right size if needed.

3. Uneven Heating

If you notice that some rooms in your home are warmer than others, it could be a sign that your heat pump is too small for your home. When the heat pump can’t meet the demand, it can only heat certain areas of your home effectively.

Thus, this can result in uneven temperatures throughout the home, which indicates that you may need to invest in a larger heat pump. However, if your compressor is too large, it will move more air than is necessary, which may lead to the pump turning off and on too frequently.

4. Change in Home’s Temperature

A heat pump that is too small for the space will not be able to cool it effectively, leading to higher indoor temperatures. Similarly, a heat pump that is too large will cause short cycling, meaning that the system turns on and off frequently to maintain desired temperatures. This can lead to rapid temperature swings and difficulty maintaining the set temperature.

5. High Humidity

If your home feels muggy and sticky, this is one sign that there is too much humidity in the air. An improperly sized heat pump’s short cycling can cause this. If the pump doesn’t run long enough to remove the moisture in the air, you might feel uncomfortable.

6. High Utility Bills

An oversized heat pump will cycle on and off frequently, leading to higher energy usage because the pump is not running for the optimum length of time. On the other hand, an undersized heat pump will have to run longer to adequately heat your home, which can also lead to increased energy costs.

7. Frequent Repairs

When you install a heat pump that is too large or small for the intended space, it will not run as efficiently as it should, resulting in an overworked system that requires frequent repairs. This can lead to a premature system breakdown and costly repair bills or shorter life spans for your heat pump.

In conclusion, choosing the correct size heat pump for your home is essential to ensure it works efficiently and effectively. If you experience uneven heating, frequent cycling, or high energy bills, you must reevaluate your heat pump and replace it with a new unit better suited for your space. Contact Apple Aire Heating & Cooling in Golden, CO, for heat pump installation, repair, or maintenance services to help ensure your home remains comfortable, efficient and cost-effective.

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