
An optimally functioning heat pump should run in cycles. Short-cycling occurs when a heat pump turns on and off frequently without completing a heating or cooling cycle.
What causes a heat pump to short‑cycle (turn on and off too often)?
- The system is oversized — it heats/cools your home too fast and shuts off prematurely
- A faulty or poorly placed thermostat sends erratic signals to the pump
- Clogged air filters restrict airflow and force the system to cycle before completing a full run
Here’s why heat pumps short cycle in Norco, CA:

