I have a single stage heat pump and a hunter model #44360 thermostat. Put in this summer, worked fine all summer. Now that we want to use the heat, an issue has come up. The unit kicks on and heats to the desired temp. Then the unit shuts off. The fan for circulationg the air however does not. This fan will not shut off until the switch on the thermostat is moved from heat to off. Any ideas here? Wiring, or just bad thermostat?

Thanks!

Could be a short in the thermostat wiring or the thermostat as you have already figured it out. Check wiring first and also check the setup for the thermostat if it has a program for install parameters.

Thank you for your help... I have read on several questions here that Hunter is not a good coice in thermostats.. your feelings or recommendations?

Also, how will I know if the wiring is bad? I looked at where it comes into the air handler in the attic, all of the connections seem intact with no sign of melting or shorting.