If you notice that your AC is turning itself off and on all the time, then you could have serious issues with the unit. This means your AC is short cycling. Air conditioner cycling is more common than you think.
So in this blog post, let’s talk about what AC compressor short cycling is and what to do about it if it occurs. That way, you can protect your investment, stay cool, and avoid more costly repairs down the road.
Air Conditioner Short Cycling 101
AC cycling on and off? No worries. Let’s explore why that’s the case:
Your AC reduces the temperature by absorbing heat that’s already in the air using a refrigerant. Then it takes this hot air and pushes it outside.
During this process, the compressor is a really important aspect. Without a compressor working at full capacity, the air will not flow through the system effectively.
This leads to poor circulation of the refrigerant and drastically neutralizes the cooling cycle. (The cooling cycle refers to the time when the compressor on your AC is turned on).
Signs that your AC is short cycling are:
- AC short cycling at night
- Air conditioner short cycling in seconds
- Air conditioner cycles on and off
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your trusted HVAC experts right away.
How Many Cooling Cycles Are There?
Typically a cooling cycle lasts around 10 minutes. And on a hot day your AC will go through about 3 cycles every hour. In other words, the compressor will be on for 10 minutes and then be off for 10 minutes at an alternating frequency.
However, short cycling refers to the compressor turning on and off again in more frequent intervals. Just as if you were to stop and start a car several times in an hour, it would put more wear and tear on the engine, the starter, and more.
So short cycling actually wears out your AC unit faster, and this is especially true with the compressor. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why short cycling happens in the first place.
So, Why Does Your AC Short Cycle?
There are a variety of potential reasons that your AC could be short cycling. One of the primary causes is not having enough refrigerant in your AC.
A lack of refrigerant can also contribute to ice buildup. Another primary cause is a thermostat that’s placed in a poor spot in the home. For instance, if the thermostat is in an area of the house that is not typically the same temperature as other areas, it could falsely trigger your air conditioning more often than necessary.
This would result in short cycling. An example is the thermostat being located right next to the kitchen.
If you’re cooking, then the heat from the oven or stove could change the temperature of the surrounding air, and therefore the thermostat would kick your compressor and AC unit on.
Size is another factor. If you have an air conditioning system that’s too large, then short cycling is common. That’s because these air conditioners have so much capacity, but it can result in them turning on and off more frequently to achieve your ideal temperature.
The final reason on our list is a low-pressure control switch. This is responsible for turning the compressor off when the refrigerant in your AC unit goes below a certain point.
This can simply happen via your air conditioning system getting old and the parts beginning to fail.
In fact, all of the reasons above make a pretty compelling case for why you should get a more energy-efficient AC unit installed.
Keeping Short Cycling From Happening To Your AC
Now that you understand what short cycling is and what typically causes it, let’s talk about some ways to prevent this from happening:
Check The Filter
If your air filter is not clean and clear, then it could cause short cycling because of caked-on debris.
Replace Your Thermostat
As we mentioned, if your thermostat is in an area that triggers it too often, you should consider placing it somewhere else on your property.
Have HVAC Professionals Check Your Refrigerant Levels
Since one of the most common reasons that you’re experiencing short cycling is due to incorrect coolant levels, have the HVAC pros check it out. They can identify leaks, top off your fluid, and let you know if they notice any other issues.
Get A New Low-Pressure Control Switch
HVAC experts can replace this switch quickly and easily. But don’t try to do it yourself. You may end up breaking something without realizing it.
They’ll also be able to check the compressor itself when they come out for the service call.
Get Professional Air Conditioning Services Today
If you’re looking for HVAC repair in Elmhurst, reach out to the experts at Unique Indoor Comfort Heating and Cooling.
We can help you with air conditioning repair, maintenance, installation, and estimates. You deserve to be comfortable in your home all year long. So don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation today. Let’s stop your AC unit short cycling for good.
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NoW 847-359-5100
