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A Constant Heat Heat pumps have a noticeable cooler supply air temperature than furnaces. The common practice of over-sizing furnace contributes to an "off-and-on again" operation with short blasts of hot supply air. The heat pump system is sized more closely to the heating needs of your home. Heat is supplied at a lower temperature over a longer period of time to provide a more constant heat, and it may give you the impression that your system "never stops running".
Water Run-Off During the heating cycle, in mild weather you may notice water running off the outdoor coil. Moisture from the air is condensed on the outside surface of the coil where it gathers and runs off.
No need for alarm, your unit has not sprung a leak!
Outdoor Coil Defrosting At certain outdoor conditions (low temperature, high humidity), frost may build up on the coil of the outdoor unit.
In order to maintain heating efficiency, the system will automatically defrost itself. Steam rising from the outdoor unit is normal and is an indication of proper operation. The vapor cloud will only last for a few minutes. When the defrost cycle is completed, the system will automatically switch back to heating. Auxiliary heat is automatically energized to maintain comfort during defrost.
The hotter the outside temperature, the greater the load on your system. Therefore do not be alarmed when your system continues to run after the sun has set on a hot day. Heat is stored in your outside walls during the day and will continue to flow into your home for several hours after sunset.
Use your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking. One surface burner on "HIGH" requires one ton of cooling. Turn on your bathroom exhaust fan while showering to remove humidity. However, exhaust fans should not be run excessively. It would decrease efficiency by removing conditioned air.
You can also help your system in the summer by closing drapes or blinds and by lowering awnings on windows that get direct sunlight.
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