Why does my Heat pump make false starts?

Our heatpump unit outside works, but in between the running times, it makes a noise like it is going to start up again, but then doesn't run. It does this every two minutes or so and lasts about 3 seconds. It sounds exactly the way it does when it is kicking on, but then just doesn't run. Any ideas?Why does my Heat pump make false starts?
If the unit wasn't serviced in a while consider having it done. The noise could be the compressor kicking in, it could be a bad relay, it could be dirty contactsWhy does my Heat pump make false starts?
It doesn't sound right. It could be one of several things going on. It could be a problem with the thermostat or the unit itself. For a troubleshooting guide, check out the heat pump page at my source.
Thats just not right. It sounds like your unit needs service. It is also wasting a lot of energy doing what it's doing and you dont want to pay for that.
Do you hear any noise at all from the unit? A heat pump will require going into defrost mode periodically when the outdoor temperature is approximately 45 degrees or lower. During defrost the fan will not turn but the compressor will still run. If you still hear some noise during this process you are probably hearing the compressor. You may also see steam and hear pieces of ice falling. The unit will cut off the condenser fan in order to build up heat in the coils and melt any accumulated ice.