AC short cycling happens when your AC turns on and off more frequently than usual without completing a full cooling cycle. This issue can drastically reduce the efficiency of your system and increase wear and tear.
When you turn a blind eye to short cycling, eventually, you may have to deal with early system failure, which can lead to expensive AC repairs or a complete replacement. Fixing this problem promptly, or even better, maintaining your AC with professional help, can guarantee your AC system’s performance for years to come.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of AC short cycling prevention, let’s understand what short cycling is.
What Is Short Cycling?
Short cycling breaks off the regular operation of an AC unit. Normally, your AC should run until it reaches the temperature set on the thermostat, then shut off until it needs to cool the space again.
However, with AC short cycling, the unit turns off too soon and quickly turns back on. This cycle places extra stress on the system, dropping its ability to cool your home as it should and raising your energy bills.
Over time, the repetitive on-and-off behavior can also lead to breakdowns, making it a serious issue that needs quick attention.
8 Causes of AC Short Cycling
Your AC can short cycle for multiple reasons. But when you understand these causes, you help prevent the issue and maintain your system’s efficiency longer. Regular check-ups by an HVAC pro are important to spot and fix these problems before they become worse. Here are some of the causes of AC short cycling:
1. Clogged Air Filter
Your AC system needs airflow to operate. A clogged air filter blocks airflow, causing your HVAC system to overheat and shut down prematurely. This overheating leads to the system turning off and on repeatedly, which is a key cause of AC short cycling.
Clogged filters also force the system to work harder, bumping up your energy use. We recommend regularly changing or cleaning your air filters (usually every one to three months) to help prevent these issues and keep your AC in top shape.
2. Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant plays a major role in your AC system’s cooling process. When refrigerant levels are low, usually because of leaks or improper installation, the system struggles to absorb heat. This leads to short cycling as the AC repeatedly turns on and off while trying to cool your home.
And guess what? This process hampers the AC cooling efficiency and stresses to the compressor, reflecting on your wallet. To fix low refrigerant levels, you need a licensed HVAC tech to locate and repair leaks and recharge the system.
Service Minds One Hour is ready to answer the call when you need us. We have served the Daytona area homeowners with a high level of satisfaction.
3. Failing Compressor
The compressor is another important part of your AC system, responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining the necessary pressure levels. Short cycling is often one of the first signs when the compressor starts to fail. The system may turn on and off repeatedly as it struggles to maintain pressure.
If you don’t address this issue, the compressor could eventually give out completely, requiring an expensive replacement. In this case, we suggest getting in touch with an HVAC professional to identify and address compressor issues early. This prevents further damage, and your wallet will thank you.
4. Oversized or Undersized Unit
An AC unit that is not the right size for your home can cause short cycling. An oversized unit cools the space too quickly, leading to the system shutting off before completing a full cycle. You may think this is efficient, but actually, it creates uneven temperature distribution and higher humidity levels throughout your home.
On the other hand, an undersized unit may run non-stop without ever reaching the desired temperature, causing AC short cycling as it struggles to keep up.
As a rule of thumb, pay attention to the size of your AC unit for optimal performance and energy efficiency. If your system is not the right size for your home, you may need to replace it with a correctly sized unit.
5. Poorly Calibrated Thermostat
A thermostat that is not adjusted correctly can create short cycling by providing inaccurate temperature readings. If the thermostat is not measuring the indoor temperature correctly, it may signal the AC unit to turn off too soon or keep running longer than necessary. This breaks the normal cooling cycle and leads to poor operation.
Also, if you place your thermostat in a poor location, such as near a drafty window or in direct sunlight, this can cause short cycling. We recommend calibrating your thermostat correctly and putting it in a good location for efficient system operation.
6. Iced or Dirty Evaporator Coil
The evaporator coil soaks up heat from the air inside your home. If the coil becomes dirty or frozen, it cannot do its job the way it should.
A dirty or frozen coil reduces the system’s ability to absorb heat, leading to short cycling as the AC turns on and off in an attempt to cool the space.
We suggest regular AC maintenance to keep the evaporator coil clean and working the right way. If you notice ice on your coil, it’s important to have a pro inspect the system to find the cause and take care of any underlying issues, such as low refrigerant levels or airflow restrictions.
7. Failing Low-Pressure Control Switch
The low-pressure control switch monitors the refrigerant pressure within the system. If this switch gives out, it can cause the AC to short cycle by shutting it down when the pressure drops too low, often due to frozen coils.
A malfunctioning low-pressure control switch prevents the system from operating on a winning streak. This creates poor cooling and increased wear on the unit.
If you need to replace a wonky low-pressure control switch, you’re better off leaving it to the pros, who can handle the repair safely and effectively.
8. Leaking Air Ducts
Leaking air ducts can seriously drop your AC system’s efficiency, as it allows cooled air to escape before it reaches its intended destination. This forces the system to work harder to cool your home, often leading to short cycling.
What’s more? If you have leaking ducts, don’t be surprised to feel cooling variations in your home, experience higher energy bills, and get high dust levels and allergens in your place. So, seal duct leaks to maintain your system’s efficiency and reduce the likelihood of short cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent AC short cycling?
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent short cycling. This includes replacing air filters, keeping the evaporator coil clean, and making sure your system is the right size and has the correct amount of refrigerant. Professional inspections can find potential issues before they turn into serious problems.
What causes short cycling in AC units?
Common causes include clogged air filters, low refrigerant levels, failing compressors, miscalibrated thermostats, and improperly sized units. Taking care of these issues quickly can help prevent further damage to your system and keep it running efficiently.
How do I know if my AC is short cycling?
If your AC keeps turning on and off in short intervals without reaching the set temperature, it’s likely short cycling. This reduces cooling efficiency, jacks up energy costs, and can lead to more severe system issues if unresolved.
Should I turn off my AC if it’s short cycling?
Yes, turning off your AC and contacting a professional is the best course of action if you notice it short cycling. Continuing to run the unit while it’s short cycling can cause additional damage and lead to hefty repairs.
AC Maintenance Services with Service Minds One Hour
There is no doubt that addressing AC short cycling issues is a surefire way to keep your system in tip-top shape and prevent you from breaking the bank with costly repairs. Choosing regular maintenance with the help of the pros can help you identify and resolve issues before they lead to system failure.
We provide comprehensive AC maintenance services at Service Minds One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating in Daytona, F. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-levels of service, customer satisfaction, and care. With our “always on time or you don’t pay a dime” guarantee, you can rely on us for all your HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule a service and keep your AC running smoothly.