Short cycling is when your air conditioner repeatedly runs for only a few minutes and quickly shuts off. This makes it take longer for your Bethel Park, PA, home to cool off and adds wear and tear to the AC system. If your AC system is short cycling, there are many possible reasons this is happening.
Dirty Air Filter
Your air conditioner may be short cycling because of a dirty air filter. The air filter traps airborne contaminants to prevent them from continuing to recycle throughout your home. Once dirt clogs the air filter, airflow through the air conditioner decreases.
If air isn’t getting through the air filter, the AC system overheats. At this point, it’ll shut off as a safety precaution.
Refrigerant Leak
Your AC system may short cycle if the refrigerant is low. If there’s a leak somewhere, enough refrigerant may not be left for the air conditioner to function correctly. This causes additional stress for the AC system and results in short cycling.
Thermostat Problem
Your AC system’s short cycling may be due to the thermostat. You need to calibrate the thermostat properly so that it can read the temperature in your home accurately. If not, the air conditioner may randomly turn on and off.
Wrong Size AC System
Short cycling can happen if the AC system is the wrong size. If it’s too large, it’ll cool quickly and shut off before the cooling cycle is complete.
If your air conditioner is too small, it isn’t powerful enough to cool your home without overheating and shutting down. The only way to resolve these size problems is with an appropriately sized AC replacement.
If your air conditioner is short cycling, we can help. We will locate the cause of the problem and recommend ways in which we can fix it. Call Woodruff and Smith Heating and Cooling, Inc. today for all of your AC repair needs.
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