Heat Pump
by Jeannie
(Armstrong BC Canada)
My Heat pump seems to come on all the time, yet we have Roxul insulation and hardy plank siding. But it comes on constantly. The installer says the thermostats are sensitive. Is he right?
Answer from Green Energy Efficient Homes
Is the heat pump cycling on and off - on for a few minutes, then off, then on again? If that is what you mean by 'come on all the time', then it's likely there's a mechanical problem - the heat pump doesn't have the right amount or type of refrigerant, or the thermostat isn't working properly or isn't a suitable type for a heat pump.
If instead the heat pump is just running continually when it's cold out, then it may be that you are in too cold a climate to use a heat pump. Heat pumps are quite efficient at warmer temperatures - I believe above about 5C outdoor temperature they are more efficient than electric heat, and the colder you get below that the less efficient they are. If it's just really cold out, then the heat pump will run a lot without giving you that much heat. Most heat pumps installed in cold climates should have electric or other backup heat for cold days.
In any case, your installer should be solving this problem for you. Almost all service calls and maintenance issues related to new HVAC installations are due to faulty installation, not problems with the equipment itself - that's why it matters far more who installs your equipment than what brand you buy. If you can't get this installer to install the equipment so that it functions correctly, I'd suggest bringing in another HVAC technician to get them to fix it. But the installer saying that your problem is due to a sensitive thermostat is like your new car dealer saying the black smoke coming out of your muffler is due to the car burning oil - it's a problem with the system he sold/installed for you, and he should be responsible for fixing it. Explaining the cause doesn't mean he's off the hook!
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