With summer well on the way and temperatures on the rise, you will rely on your AC unit more and more to keep your living space cool and comfortable. To keep the temperatures inside your home where you need them, you must ensure that your air conditioning system functions the way it should. If your AC intermittently turns on and off repeatedly, you could be experiencing a problem referred to as short cycling. The experts at Hal Mechanical have provided the following information on short cycling, the issues it can create with your AC unit, and some of the most common causes.
What is Considered Short Cycling?
Does your air conditioner unit turn on only to turn off a few minutes later, leaving you feeling hot, clammy, and confused? The repetitive cycle of turning on and off is not just an annoyance. It can also wreak havoc on your AC unit, potentially causing the need for expensive repairs and, in some cases, replacement. Some of the problems caused by short cycling include:
1. Reduction in cooling: When your AC unit fails to complete a cooling cycle, your home will not be adequately dehumidified. Too much humidity leaves your indoor environment uncomfortable, clammy, and stale and may even encourage the growth of mold spores.
2. Less energy efficient: When your AC short cycles, it uses more energy to stop and start, continuously wasting power and increasing utility bills.
3. Increased wear and tear: The constant start-stop of short cycling can strain your AC system and the many components inside, leading to premature wear and ultimately affecting the longevity of your unit and directly compromising the life span, ultimately resulting in early replacement of your AC unit.
What Would Cause an AC to Short Cycle?
A short cycling AC unit disrupts your comfort and affects your HVAC system’s ability to perform correctly. Some of the most common causes of short cycling can be something as simple as a dirty air filter to some more concerning, such as refrigerant leaks, a faulty thermostat, or an incorrectly sized unit for the amount of space.
1. Dirty air filters: Dirty air filters are the number one cause of AC short cycling. Your air filters act like a giant sponge to catch dirt, debris, dust, and dander. When your air filters are clogged, they can restrict air flow, causing the unit’s internal temperature to rise. Your AC unit will shut off to prevent further overheating. Cleaning and replacing filters when needed will help you avoid short cycling and improve the efficiency of your unit.
2. Refrigerant leaks: If your refrigerant leaks, your unit will lose its ability to keep the air cool, prompting your AC unit to turn on and off as it struggles to keep your home at its set temperature.
3. Faulty thermostat: Your thermostat is the brains of your AC system and signals when to turn it on and off based on your desired temperature settings. If the thermostat is faulty, malfunctioning, or calibrated incorrectly, it will not be able to accurately read the indoor temperature, leading to short cycling as it turns on and off frequently, trying to correct itself.
4. Incorrectly sized AC unit: If your AC unit is not sized correctly, it can cause short cycling. Too big, and it will cool the area too fast and shut off too soon. Your unit will struggle to reach and maintain the set temperature if it is too small. Either way, too big or too small will result in short cycling.
Central Air Conditioning Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
To learn more about AC inspections, maintenance, repairs, and new installations and to schedule an appointment for your Greater Las Vegas home, contact the experts at Hal Mechanical today.
