Air Conditioning - a/c won't kick off

We have a new thermostat but an old heat pump. It has been 85-90 out and we set the thermostat at 74. In the afternoon when it is the warmest, the a/c will run non stop. I can switch it off and then turn it right back on and it will then take a while to kick back on. I am afraid to see our electric bill!

Is this normal? Do we need a new heat pump?

Thanks for any help,

Betsy

There may be a small problem with the system but keep in mind that a properly sized system will run almost constantly at higher outside ambients. Make sure your return filter is a new clean one and take a close look at the outside condenser to be sure the bushes have not overtaken it and that the fins are clean . If it is running constantly it should be doing a real good job of dehumidification and you may find that 76 or even 78 can be quite comfortable at the lower humidity levels. The new tstat really should not make much difference as to how long the unit should take to pull the interior temp down. If you can tell a difference between the current performance and the past summers performance you will probably want to have it checked out. But first check the outside unit and filter for cleanliness.

I can switch it off and then turn it right back on and it will then take a while to kick back on.
Sounds like you have a time delay in the unit , Thats why it doesw that. When unit is running go out side and feel the lines at teh unit. Big copper one cold and wet,small one warm to hot. If so its working right.