Is it normal for the outside unit of a heat pump to run constantly, even when the inside blower isn't running? It's been particularly cold the past week and we've noticed the outside unit running, even when it's not blowing air. Never noticed this before, so we're thinking maybe a problem? It's an 8-year-old contractor-grade unit that's been diagnosed in the past with a slow refrigerant leak. Thanks.
Cold temps could cause the heat pump to run for long times - they are not very efficient at colder temperatures. The slow leak could also cause the constant running. Sounds like it's time for a service call.
Not knowing how cold it is in your area, a heat pump's efficiency drops when the temperature is near freezing. When the temperature nears freezing, condensation sometimes builds up on the coils and the unit will reverse cycle to defrost these coils. This reversal is a heater cycle which most units have built into the circuitry which is normal. It is this cycling between heating and cooling which lowers the efficiency of the heat pump. During this cycle the fan generally doesn't run. However, if the unit is low on freon, this too will cause it to run more than usual. If there is a leak it is best to have it found so the unit operates at its optimum. Call a tech and have the unit checked. If you have an auxiliary furnace, it may be wise to switch over to it.
Thanks, all. It's been well below freezing at night and in the mid- to upper-20s at times during the day, so sounds like that might be the problem. Yeah, we realize we need to have the leak tracked down - it's on the to-do list. Appreciate the responses.
the outside control unit should have failed out the heat pump if you're in the 20s over to the backup emergency heating. may have a sensor wacky in there, too.
sig: if this is a new economy, how come they still want my old-fashioned money?
It seems to me that for a heating system the outdoor unit is linked to the fan control indoors. It won't be good for the outdoor part to be gathering heat and sending it indoors if the indoors part (The fan) isn't spreading the heat in the house. Get service out to check the system. Something ain't right.
JdN
Posts: 7533 | Location: Elkader, IA, USA | Registered: Mar 07, 2004
