Air Conditioner Short Cycling: Why Your AC Keeps Turning On and Off
Your air conditioner regularly turns on an off at intervals to keep your home at the desired temperature. However, if these intervals are too short, the AC may be short cycling.
Short cycling can cause damage to unit components and cost you money in repairs. Thus, if you notice the AC turning on and off more often than usual, it should alarm you. Keep reading to find out the leading causes of air conditioner short cycling and what you can do about the problem.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirt, dust, and debris in the air filter restrict airflow, forcing your AC to strain and spend more energy to cool your house. The blocked air filter works extra hard to compensate for the air flow blockage.
With a reduced air flow through the cooling and heating system, the heat exchanger overheats and shuts off before the cycle ends. Regular cleaning and replacement of worn out air filters can solve the problem.
Low Refrigerant in the Unit
The refrigerant liquid is in the compressor of your air conditioner. During a cycle, it’s converted to gas then back to liquid, a process that helps absorb heat and lowers the air temperature.
The low refrigerant level results from a leak. When the refrigerant is low, your air conditioner will have to work overtime to cool your home. It makes the coils freeze and air conditioner turn on and off for short intervals.
Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils remove hot air from the house. When the evaporator coils get covered in dirt or ice, your air conditioner works much harder to take out the hot air effectively.
It results in overheating that forces the system to shut off. Do regular AC maintenance to help solve the problem.
AC Electrical Problems
The electrical issues can be in the thermostat, circuit boards, run capacitor, or electrical connections, which results in short cycling.
Defects in the control relay, loose wiring connections in the thermostat, and damaged circuit boards can make the air conditioner to turn on and off. If you suspect any fault in the AC’s electrical system. You should call the experts for immediate check-ups and repairs.
Incorrect Thermostat Placement
Incorrect placement of the thermostat causes the temperature sensor to give the wrong signal to your AC system. A wrongly placed thermostat can make the system run too short, too long, or in short bursts.
Avoid placing the thermostat near the window, doors, direct sunlight, heating and cooling supply ducts, cooking equipment, refrigeration equipment, ceiling, etc.
A good thermostat location makes the AC system efficient and helps you save on energy bills.
Improperly Sized AC Unit
If the short cycling started right from the moment you installed the AC system, there’s a chance your AC is too big for the space you're cooling. The big unit cools your home quickly then shuts off; however, it does a poor job at removing humidity.
The frequent cycling causes a recurring breakdown of the AC components, making you spend more on maintenance cost.
Experiencing Air Conditioner Short Cycling?
Persistent air conditioner short cycling can be as a result of a serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention. Get immediate repairs to prevent further damage to your AC unit.
Contact us today for professional AC repair services.
Top 5 Qualities To Look For In Hiring Air Conditioning Contractors
Three-quarters of all homes in America have air conditioning. If you're thinking about installing AC in your home, you may be wondering what to look for in an HVAC service.
Have you recently asked yourself, how do I go about hiring air conditioning contractors near me?
Many customers need HVAC services but have no idea where to turn. With so many options on the market, you want to make sure you pick a reliable company.
If you need to install or repair an AC unit, there are a few qualities you should look for in your air conditioning contractors. We outline the top five factors to consider before hiring a technician.
1. Certifications and Licenses
When hiring your HVAC technician, make sure they have the appropriate certifications. To become certified, a technician must complete an HVAC program. This includes extensive training and experience working with HVAC systems.
Not all states require contractors and technicians to be certified, but it's advisable to look for one. Learn about NATE-certified technicians and look to hire one for a guarantee of quality work.
Additionally, always make sure the company has any state-mandated certifications.
2. Years of Experience
Before hiring an AC contractor, check to see how long they've been in business.
Established companies that have been in operation for a long time have extensive knowledge of their industry. These businesses tend to stand behind their work and take pride in it.
Reputable businesses also keep up to date with the latest technology and education.
3. Positive Customer Reviews
With so many HVAC contractors on the market, it's hard to know which company to choose.
If you're hiring air conditioning contractors in the area, be sure to look at their reviews first. Professional companies pride themselves in their work and their customer reviews should reflect that.
You can also check to see if the business is BBB accredited for more peace of mind. The higher the BBB rating, the more you know you can trust the company.
4. Free Estimates and Home Evaluation
If you need AC installation services, it's important you get an evaluation of your home first. This allows technicians to determine the equipment and sizes needed.
During this time, you should also receive a price quote. Estimates and quotes should be free. Never hire a company that offers an estimate without seeing your home first.
Some companies even offer special financing and work with you to achieve your goals.
5. Reliability and Emergency Services
In times of emergency, it's nice to know that your contractor has your back. Look for companies that have 24/7 emergency service. This way, if anything goes wrong you can give them a call day or night.
Look for companies that promote fast and dependable service. If you have any problems with your installation, the company should be there for you to answer any questions or concerns.
Hire Air Conditioning Contractors You Can Trust
By looking for the five qualities mentioned in this article, you'll be able to find and hire air conditioning contractors you can rely on.
You should be able to find all this information on the company website or by calling to inquire. Reliable companies stand by their service and want you to be happy with your product.
Are you in the Naples area and looking for HVAC services? Contact us and let us know how we can help you.