Short cycling happens when your air conditioner turns on and off quickly or something prevents the system from completing its full cycle. When your AC has short cycling issues, it becomes inefficient and could damage some components, such as the fan and compressor motor. If the AC unit in your Pembroke, NC, home is short cycling, here are some possible culprits.
1. Oversized AC
An oversized air conditioning unit cools the house quickly and automatically shuts down. The system then starts again and shuts down when some of the rooms cool, but some rooms will not cool down, plus the system doesn’t run long enough to dehumidify your house.
This process is short cycling. When installing an air conditioning system, ensure it’s the right size for your home by hiring a professional to calculate and determine your cooling needs.
2. Leak
Low refrigerant levels prevent your air conditioning system from cooling your home properly, putting a lot of stress on the system’s components. The AC parts must work harder, forcing the system to short cycle.
This can eventually damage the compressor. You need to call an AC repair expert to fix the leak and refill the refrigerant.
3. Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters can restrict your AC’s airflow, causing hot air to build up in the system. The air conditioner then overheats, causing it to cycle off prematurely. Changing or cleaning air filters is vital to prevent airflow restriction and avoid the AC from short cycling.
4. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Air conditioners can sometimes freeze up as they operate while it’s cold outside, often at night. Mechanical issues or dirty filters can also cause frozen evaporator coils that cause short cycling. It’s best to call your HVAC professional if shutting the AC down and allowing it to thaw doesn’t solve the problem.
Investing in professional AC installation, maintenance and prompt repairs is essential to preventing your AC from short cycling. Call our team at Cape Fear Air Conditioning today to book a professional HVAC maintenance appointment.
Image provided by iStock
