The answer to 'heat pump short cycling' is that a heat pump short cycling, or rapidly turning on and off, can be caused by several common issues. This includes problems with the thermostat, low refrigerant levels, a malfunctioning compressor, or issues with the outdoor unit. Symptoms of short cycling include the heat pump turning on and off frequently, inconsistent temperatures, and higher than normal energy bills.
To troubleshoot and fix short cycling, you'll want to first check the thermostat settings and replace the batteries if needed. If that doesn't resolve it, you may have a refrigerant leak or compressor issue that requires a professional HVAC technician to diagnose and repair. Attempting to service the refrigerant system yourself can be dangerous, so it's best to call in a pro for that.