Our Service Locations

Is your air conditioner turning on and off repeatedly throughout the day? If so, you may be dealing with short cycling. This is a common issue that can occur during the summer time when air conditioners work longer to keep up with household cooling demands that shouldn't be ignored, as when short cycling happens, your system won't be able to cool or dehumidify your interior correctly, which affects your comfort levels and energy costs. 

We've outlined why air conditioner short cycling occurs, signs to watch out for, troubleshooting tips, and when to call a licensed technician below. 

A short cycling AC often occurs when your air conditioner turns on, runs shortly, and then shuts off before it's completed its cooling cycle. Instead of running for 10 to 15 minutes or longer, the system may shut down after a couple of minutes, before restarting against right after. 

Frequent cycling can occur for several difference reasons, including the following:

Airflow, Thermostat, and Maintenance Issues

• Dirty or clogged air filter: Dirty air filters lead to restricted airflow, which can cause the system to overheat and shut down early.

• Blocked supply or return vents: This can also cause restricted airflow which disrupts the cooling process.

• Thermostat placed near heat sources: If your thermostat is installed near a sunny window or other area of your home, it could cause false temperature readings, which impacts system performance.

• Incorrect thermostat settings: Incorrect thermostat settings can cause premature shutdowns.

• Thermostat malfunction or calibration issues: Dead thermostat batteries or or malfunctioning thermostats can lead to miscommunication, which can lead to short cycling.

• Dirty evaporator coil: Absorbing heat can be hindered and affect the AC systems cycle process.

• Poor airflow causing overheating or freezing: This can cause freezing, overheating, and short cycling.

• Lack of regular maintenance: A lack of maintenance can cause small issues to develop into costly repairs that impact your air conditioning system's performance.

Refrigerant, Sizing, and Mechanical Problems

• Low refrigerant levels.

• Refrigerant leaks around the outdoor unit.

• Frozen evaporator coils.

• Oversized unit that cooling interior too quickly.

• Faulty compressor component.

• Damaged control board and other electrical issues.

• Capacitor or contactor problems.

• Your AC system may be reaching the end of its lifespan. 

When your cooling system is short cycling, there are several warning signs you'll notice throughout your home:

• Your AC unit turns on and shuts off every couple of minutes.

• Uneven cooling throughout your interior.

• Poor humidity control leading to excess humidity indoors.

• Higher energy bills from increased energy consumption.

• System never seems to run long enough to reach your desired temperature.

• Loud startup sounds coming from your HVAC system.

• Reduced indoor comfort levels during hot weather.

Frequent short cycling is a problem homeowners should never ignore as it can later lead to further damage and more expensive repair costs.

• Increased wear and tear on mechanical and electrical components.

• Higher energy consumption and utility costs.

• Reduced energy-efficiency levels.

• Poor temperature control.

• Higher indoor humidity levels.

• Greater chance of costly repairs.

• Shortened system lifespan.

Before contacting an experienced HVAC technician for professional services, there are a couple of troubleshooting steps you should perform that may end up solving the issue:

Basic Checks Homeowners Can Do

1. Replace your dirty air filter monthly.

2. Check thermostat settings and location to determine if you have improper thermostat placement.

3. Make sure your air vents and registers are open.

4. Inspect the outdoor unit for any visible ice on refrigerant lines or evaporator coils.

5. Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.

6. Take note how long each cooling cycle lasts.

7. Check for any other obvious airflow restrictions.

When DIY Stops and Professional Help Starts

While addressing AC short cycling in some instances can be done on your own, other scenarios call for the assistance of an HVAC professional, including the following:

• Short cycling continues after you've changed the air filter.

• Ice buildup is present on the evaporator coil.

• Refrigerant issues like leaks or low refrigerant levels.

• Your thermostat is broken.

• Electrical clicking or buzzing is heard from the unit.

• You have an oversized AC unit in your home or has been improperly installed.

• AC unit is older and has repeated performance problems.

How a Professional HVAC Technician Fixes Short Cycling

To resolve short cycling, a professional technician will perform various tasks that help identify the root cause of the issue, before fixing the problem at hand.

• Inspection of thermostat operation to ensure accurate temperature control.

• Check of airflow and filter condition to identify any potential restricted airflow.

• Measuring refrigerant pressure to ensure proper heat absorption.

• Looking for refrigerant leaks along refrigerant lines that may impact heat absorption.

• Inspection evaporator coil and blower components for wear and tear.

• Testing of electrical parts and controls.

• Evaluating system size and installation quality.

• Confirming proper cooling cycle after repairs are complete. 

To prevent short cycling in the future, homeowners should aim to perform the following preventative maintenance tasks below:

• Replace air filters regularly (typically every one to three months).

• Schedule annual maintenance (once a year in the early spring).

• Keep vents open and unobstructed by removing debris, furniture, and other clutter from around both indoor and outdoor units.

• Use proper thermostat settings at all times.

• Address refrigerant leaks early on to prevent further damage.

• Keep outdoor unit clean, especially after the winter months.

• Ensure proper system sizing during replacements by working with an experienced HVAC company.

• Identify any airflow or electrical issues before they worsen and develop into costly repairs. 

If frequent repairs persist, it may be time to consider a replacement. Here's what you need to look at:

• Age of the system: Most AC units last between 10 and 15 years before they need to be replaced.

• Frequency of recurring short cycling issues: Recurring problems could point toward a full system failure that's irreparable.

• Cost of refrigerant, compressor, or electrical repairs: Constant repairs of these components can add up quickly, making a replacement a more cost-effective option long-term.

• Oversized system replacement considerations: If your system is too large for your home, it may need to be replaced with a proper unit.

• Overall energy efficiency of the unit: Older AC systems often have higher energy consumption levels than newer appliances. 

=