What could be a sign of inadequate heating or cooling in a heat pump system?

Frequent cycling of the system is indeed a sign of inadequate heating or cooling in a heat pump system. This phenomenon occurs when the heat pump turns on and off repeatedly in a short period, known as short cycling. Short cycling can be a symptom of various underlying issues such as incorrect sizing of the system, clogged air filters, or problems with the thermostat. When a heat pump cannot maintain the desired temperature, it may result in constant adjustments to its operation, leading to frequent cycling.

In contrast, low indoor humidity typically suggests efficient operation since a heat pump can dehumidify effectively, especially in cooling mode. Constant airflow is expected during normal heat pump operation and does not indicate a problem unless it’s insufficient to provide the desired temperature. A system running continuously could imply it is attempting to meet a set temperature, but this scenario doesn’t necessarily indicate inadequate performance without further context, such as temperature discrepancies.