When the weather gets too hot, households depend on air conditioners to keep them cool. If sensors indicate that the ambient temperature is greater than the thermostat setting, the air conditioner will begin cooling the room until it reaches the desired temperature. This should occur gradually and steadily. If your air conditioner runs in short bursts, you are experiencing what is known as AC short cycling. It can result in a variety of complications if not managed properly. We’ll discuss the causes and implications of short cycling in this article, and also what can be done to avoid it.
Typical Causes of AC Short Cycling
Contents
Keep reading to explore some of the top causes for air conditioner short cycling.
1. An Air Conditioning Unit That Is Too Big
In the case of air conditioners, larger isn’t always better. If your air conditioning unit is overly powerful, it will immediately shut down after blasting a large amount of cool air into your rooms. This will quickly cool the home but will have no effect on the humidity level. The unit will not be operational long enough to address this additional issue. Additionally, it will use a significant amount of energy. Finally, a big air conditioner will result in inconsistent cooling throughout the house as rooms are cooled differently.
2. HVAC Air Filters That Are Clogged
Air filters must be constantly monitored and replaced on a regular basis. Homeowners cannot allow them to become overly unclean, as the dirt will begin to obstruct the flow of air into the system. As such, in order to make up for the decreased airflow, the device must work harder. Because of the increased workload, both the compressor and the blower will experience increased stress, resulting in eventual overheating. This results in short-cycling and, with time, equipment failure.
It should become a habit to replace the filters on a regular basis, as recommended by the equipment’s instruction manual. It is necessary to keep in mind, however, that some homes require more regular filter changing than others. As a general guideline, inspect the filter every month and replace it if it has become clogged.
3. Evaporator Coils That Have Been Frozen
Heating and cooling systems rely on evaporator coils to absorb heat from within the home. If they are frozen or unclean, they will be unable to perform the functions for which they were designed. This can potentially result in overheating, causing the machine to shut down immediately to avoid more damage before reaching the appropriate temperature.
This can be caused by a variety of mechanical faults. Rather than allowing the short cycling to continue, homeowners can totally shut down the air conditioning unit until the ice melts. An expert HVAC contractor should be called if the coils freeze repeatedly.
4. Low Refrigerant Levels in Air Conditioners
The refrigerant is the cooling system’s lifeblood. This substance must be sufficient to circulate and transfer heat from inside the home to the outside. It can get low due to a leak. This increases the load on the air conditioning system, requiring it to work more than usual to cool the home. This places a strain on the components and causes them to short cycle.
HVAC professionals can verify refrigerant levels and determine whether or not there is a leak. They will quickly locate and repair the leak. Additionally, they will inject additional refrigerant into the unit until conditions return to normal.
5. Electrical Problems with the Air Conditioner
Occasionally, the issue might be traced back to faulty wiring or control boards. Perhaps the air conditioner is not receiving enough electricity due to electrical problems. It may make an attempt to start but then fail. This is simply too complicated and dangerous for householders to undertake alone. It is advisable to have HVAC specialists inspect the air conditioning system to ascertain whether this is the source of the short cycling. They can make repairs to the wiring and control board if they are required.
6. Improper Thermostat Positioning
Short cycling might also happen as a result of a poorly placed thermostat in the home. Take into account the possibility that this is close to a window that receives a lot of sunlight or another source of heat. In some cases, even though the room is relatively cool, the sensors may be tricked into believing that the room is hot due to direct sunshine. It will reactivate and quickly shut down. In order to prevent this from happening, the thermostat may need to be covered or moved to a more appropriate location.
Reasons for Avoiding Air Conditioning Unit Short Cycling
Below, we discuss some of the associated problems that arise with air conditioner short cycling.
1. Damage To the Air Conditioning Equipment
Air conditioners aren’t meant to be turned on and off in short bursts. This puts a tremendous amount of strain on the system’s components. It results in severe wear and tear on the equipment, which may eventually cause it to fail. Owners will face early component replacement as well as a reduced service life.
2. Increasing Energy Costs
Short cycling stresses the cooling system more than necessary. It also uses a lot more energy than normal. Air conditioners already consume a significant amount of electricity when operating regularly, so additional inefficiency is unwelcome. Residents may discover that their power bills have skyrocketed. Ignoring a malfunctioning air conditioner can be extremely expensive.
3. Room Temperature Inconsistency
Temperature differences between rooms within a house might be significant. Some will be really cold, and others will be fairly warm. The short bursts prevent cool air from circulating adequately. Those who need to work or study in warm climates throughout the summer months may find it difficult to do so because of the heat.
Conclusion
Short cycling of air conditioners is a significant issue. It is severely detrimental to the system and prohibitively costly for homeowners. Instead, hire a qualified HVAC expert who can help you choose the appropriate air conditioning unit size and install it correctly from the outset. Yearly air conditioner maintenance can also aid in the early detection of potential problems, allowing them to be addressed as soon as possible. Electrical problems, refrigerant leaks, and filthy coils can all be fixed prior to short cycling.
Contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For All Your Air Conditioning Needs
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers unparalleled heating and cooling solutions in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. We employ qualified technicians who can carry out superior HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installs, and replacements. The skills and experience of each of our technicians ensure that your HVAC system is serviced appropriately.
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning guarantees the area’s most economical heating and cooling maintenance costs. We can provide you with maintenance services that increase your comfort while simultaneously improving your energy efficiency and minimizing your household cooling bills. If you do require HVAC repair or replacement, we can offer the most cost-effective equipment for your residence. We guarantee our work to assure your complete pleasure. Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning today to arrange an air conditioning unit tune-up or service appointment. We provide free in-home estimates.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!