Short cycling occurs when an AC runs short bursts instead of going through the slow and steady process. Several factors could be behind AC short cycling, so don’t hesitate to reach out to an HVAC expert like the ones at this link when you start having issues: https://www.directac123.com/air-conditioner/repair/.
Getting in touch with an AC expert is crucial to prevent short cycling from recurring. Otherwise, your AC system can get damaged, compromising its efficiency. That being said, it’s helpful to understand the major causes of short cycling and try to avoid them as much as possible. Thankfully, this article will show you what to do.
Causes of AC short cycling and how to avoid them
AC short-cycling usually occurs when the unit’s cooling cycle is shorter than normal ten minutes. As a result, the compressor will turn on and off more frequently than usual. That may cause the compressor to wear out quickly, compromising your home’s cooling comfort.
Here are the reasons short cycling may occur.
1. Failing air conditioner compressor
A failing air conditioner compressor can’t stay on long enough to cool your space as you want. The entire system ends up short cycling. Get a technician to check on the compressor and replace it if necessary.
Waiting for the short cycling to stop when the compressor fails could damage the entire AC system. Regular maintenance will allow an expert to assess the state of the interior components of your AC. In addition, it will enable timely repairs and replacement so that the short cycling doesn’t catch you off guard.
2. Miscalibration/wrong thermostat placement
The thermostat is another essential part of the AC system. Incorrect calibration causes the AC to turn on and off incorrectly. It happens because the system cant gauges the specific temperature since it shows the wrong unit of the set temperature.
Proper positioning of the thermostat is also vital to eliminate chances of short cycling. Placing it in direct warmth like a heat source affects the sensors. The sensors don’t recognize the room’s temperature but only the warm zone that’s triggering the system to turn on and off suddenly.
Consider placing the thermostat at a central location away from the vents or in the path of sunlight. It ensures accurate readings.
3. Electrical issues
Electrical issues in the AC occur at the control boards and the wires. Your air conditioner shortens when these parts aren’t receiving sufficient energy. The AC is experiencing electrical issues by suddenly failing to start or start and switching off.
Only a trained technician should fix the issue since there is a risk of electrocution. However, frequent maintenance on the unit can help spot potential electrical and other AC problems. Also, it might help to ensure an adequate and stable power source for the AC.
4. Low refrigerant levels
The work of the refrigerant is to remove heat from the indoors and release it outdoors. Low refrigerant levels occur when the refrigerant has leaked, which should never happen. Incorrect refrigerant levels cause the systems to work harder, resulting in overheating and short cycling.
Checking the refrigerant levels now and then allows you to catch leaks on time. It’s essential to fix leaks fast since refrigerants are pretty destructive to the environment. Also, only an expert should take care of refrigerant maintenance, repairs, and refills since it’s toxic.
5. Improperly-sized air conditioner
An improperly sized air conditioning unit could be oversized or undersized. It’s common for an AC to short cycle when it’s the wrong size since it struggles to cool your space correctly. When it is oversized, it cools your room and shuts off suddenly. As a result, the unit ends up not achieving the full-length cycle.
Replacing an oversized unit with an appropriately sized one is the only solution to ending the short cycling. Your AC has a sticker on the compressor describing the size of the unit. If that doesn’t help you, look at the type of controls on the thermostat.
6. Clogged filter
Short cycling is a problem that comes from clogged filters. Proper airflow is one of the necessary factors to ensure the AC unit runs appropriately. A clogged air filter would prevent this as it restricts airflow, causing the unit to strain and then short cycle.
Clogged filters cause short cycling when heat fails to escape the AC system and allow in cool air. The process tricks the system into thinking it is hotter indoors than it is. As a result, your air conditioning turns on more frequently but doesn’t cool your space adequately.
Short cycling because of clogged filters also features high energy consumption, which you will notice in your electric bills at the end of the month. You can get around a dirty filter through frequent cleaning and changing the filter every three months. Replace the filter more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area.
7. Leaky ductwork
Leaky ductwork causes a temperature difference in your space. Leaky ducts deposit cool air into unintended areas. As a result, the AC works too hard or less to cool your room. Short cycling occurs when the system falsely senses that the temperature in your room is at the desired levels.
Leaks are tears on old ductwork or get caused by vermin. It’s easy to locate leaky ductwork by examining duct joints or using a fog machine. Leave that to an expert to ensure you preserve your AC. Regular inspection of the ductwork is necessary to locate and fix leaky ductwork.
8. Frozen evaporator coil
The work of an evaporator coil is to collect heat from your space. If it’s frozen or dirty, it doesn’t perform its function appropriately. Instead, it’ll overheat, and the system sensing it will switch off automatically. AC overheating can trigger a short cycle to prevent damage to the system.
It happens before the system reaches the seat temperature. Consider shutting down the enostosis system to allow the coil time to defrost and delay short cycling—frozen evaporator coils are a sign of issues with the air conditioner. In addition, proper maintenance on the AC unit can prevent frozen or dirty evaporator coils.
Final Words
Take short cycling seriously when it occurs. You can get ahead of the causes of short cycling through regular system maintenance, as it is with most AC problems. Then, do what you must to resolve short cycling, whether repair or entire replacements. The good news is that only an experienced AC technician can provide helpful solutions for AC short cycling.
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