Have you ever noticed that your air conditioning unit turns on and off a lot? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience this issue, which is known as AC short cycling. But what causes it, and more importantly, how can you fix it? At times, you may be able to resolve the issue with minor fixes. However, you may need to call in an HVAC maintenance technician in Newnan in case the problem is something big.
So here is a closer look at why AC short cycling is a problem, what causes it and how to fix it.
Why is short cycling bad news?
Usually, your AC will run through three cooling cycles every hour to keep your home cool. When the temperature within your home rises, the thermostat activates the AC to begin working. The compressor responds by turning on and using the refrigerant to cool the warm air passing through it. Within 10-15 minutes, the temperatures will cool down to the level you have set, and the AC will automatically turn off until it is time to work again.
This functioning is totally disrupted when there are issues with your HVAC system. The compressor stops working before completing the cooling cycle. With time, the cycles become shorter and more frequent, leaving you with a hotter home, higher electricity bills and potentially shorter HVAC lifespan.
Common causes of AC short cycling
There are many reasons why your AC may be short cycling. Only an experienced HVAC maintenance expert in Newnan will be able to find the precise reason. Some of the common causes of AC short cycling include:
1) Clogged air filter
When the air filter is clogged with dust and dirt, it will seriously affect the airflow and cause overheating of the system. In most cases, overheating will lead to short cycling as well. You can easily fix this issue by cleaning air filters regularly and changing them every three months.
2) Low refrigerant levels
The refrigerant in the HVAC system is responsible for transferring heat from the interiors to the outside via the evaporator coils. Usually, air conditioners come equipped with sufficient refrigerant to keep them working throughout their lifespan. But if there has been a leak and the refrigerant levels have decreased, your AC will be unable to cool the air, leading to overheating and short cycling. An HVAC maintenance technician in Newnan can help you deal with this issue by identifying leaks, if any and topping up the refrigerant.
3) Frozen evaporator coils
If you are running the AC while it is extremely cold outside, the evaporator coils in the AC can freeze up. Sometimes, a malfunctioning unit or clogged filter too can cause the freezing of evaporator coils. The right way to deal with the issue is to switch off the system and give it time to thaw completely before turning it on again. If that does not work, call your HVAC maintenance technician in Newnan.
4) Oversized HVAC system
If your air conditioner is above the recommended size for your home, there is a chance that it might overrun the temperature you have set, end the cycle and then turn on again when temperatures rise. There are no shortcuts to resolving this issue. You need to get the AC replaced with one that is right for your home size.
Regular AC maintenance can help solve the problem
Even if your AC does not have any of these issues, you could still experience short cycling if the AC is an old one. This is because advancing age can adversely affect the efficiency of its components. Consult a reputed HVAC maintenance expert in Newnan to find out if it is time to replace any components in your HVAC system or if you need to invest in a new AC.
Remember that the most effective way to prevent AC short cycling is to get your AC regularly maintained by an HVAC professional.
Is your AC maintenance due?
Call Hammond Services today to schedule a visit.
