As any California resident knows, a good air conditioner is more than a luxury — it’s necessary. That’s why it’s so frustrating to find your AC short-cycling when you need it most. If your system is constantly flipping on and off without ever reaching your desired temperature, it’s a sign of a problem. But what causes an air conditioner to short-cycle, and how do you fix it? Keep reading for everything you need to know about AC short-cycling, courtesy of the HVAC pros at Service Lion.
What to Know
- AC short-cycling is when your system is constantly switching on and off without reaching the right temperature.
- Short-cycling shortens the lifespan of an AC through excess strain on components.
- Short-cycling can be caused by blocked airflow, leaky ducts, compressor problems, low refrigerant, or a malfunctioning thermostat.
What Does AC Short Cycling Mean?
Before we can understand the causes of AC short-cycling, let’s learn how to identify this common AC problem. Air conditioners work in cycles throughout the day, switching on and off to maintain the temperature you set on your thermostat. When it’s working normally, your system may cycle a few times in an hour. If your system is starting and stopping every couple of minutes, however, the cycles are too short for the unit to cool your home, hence the term ‘short-cycling’.
Why AC Short Cycling Is Bad for Your System
What are the problems caused by AC short-cycling? For one thing, it makes it hard or impossible to get your home to the desired temperature, meaning you’ll be cooking in your home instead of enjoying a cool, refreshing climate indoors. Short-cycling also puts excessive strain on AC components, wearing them down and shortening the overall lifespan of your system. This also has the added effect of reducing efficiency, meaning you’ll be paying more in power bills for a less-than-ideal cooling result.
Common Causes of AC Short Cycling
Now that we understand the meaning and effects of a short-cycling AC, what are the causes of this issue? Here are a few potential reasons.
Air filter issues
The most common cause of an HVAC system short-cycling is also, thankfully, easy to fix. Your AC filters the air intake to keep dust and other particles out of the system. Over time, the filter becomes dirty and clogged, restricting airflow and causing the system to short-cycle. We recommend swapping your filter every 2-3 months (or however often your manufacturer suggests) to prevent it from causing a problem.
Refrigerant problems
Refrigerant is the chemical that cools the air that is sent through HVAC ducts and into your home. If your system is low on refrigerant (which can be caused by a hazardous refrigerant leak), the system will overheat while it’s running, causing it to constantly cycle on and off without cooling the home properly.
Thermostat malfunction
If your thermostat can’t tell what temperature your home is, it will cause your AC to operate strangely. Short-cycling air conditioners can sometimes be caused by faulty, miscalibrated, or poorly-connected thermostats. Fortunately, this is an affordable and simple AC repair task for a professional.
Compressor failure
If your system keeps switching on and off, it could be a sign of a problem with the AC compressor. Short-cycling can occur when the compressor can’t stay on for long periods at a time, which in turn leads to further damage to the compressor.
Frozen or dirty evaporator coil
Evaporator coils play an important role in cooling your home by removing heat and humidity. If these coils get dirty or frozen, they won’t be able to absorb heat properly, causing the unit to overheat and short-cycle.
Leaky HVAC ducts
Another common answer for why your AC keeps turning on and off is issues with HVAC ducts. If there are leaks in your ductwork, air will escape before it reaches your vents, making it more difficult to control the temperature of your home. This can lead to the unit short-cycling in an attempt to compensate.
Pressure problems
Your air conditioner needs to maintain a specific pressure to function properly. Normally, this is controlled by a low-pressure control switch, but if this component starts to fail, the air conditioner will begin to cycle more and more frequently.
How to Fix AC Short Cycling
Now that we know the signs of AC short-cycling, what can you do about it? Here are the main ways to fix AC short-cycling:
- Step one: Check your air filter and replace it if it’s visibly clogged or dirty.
- Step two: Check your thermostat to make sure it’s calibrated, set properly, and has power.
- Step three: Check your outdoor AC unit to make sure it’s not clogged with debris or blocked by obstructions.
- Step four: Look at your evaporator coils to check for ice build-up. If they’re frozen, shut the power off, let the ice thaw, and carefully clean them before restoring power.
- Step five: If the above methods don’t help your issue, contact a professional for an HVAC inspection and repairs.
Benefits of Scheduling Professional AC Service
A short-cycling air conditioner isn’t just an inconvenience. Summertime in California can get extremely hot, and since we can’t take every hot day off to lounge at Huntington Beach, it’s vital that you know who to call when you’re having an issue with your system.
When you work with Service Lion for professional AC repair, you’re not only getting a fast, reliable solution to your problem, but you’re also getting invaluable peace of mind. Your HVAC tech will thoroughly inspect the entire system to determine the source of the problem. From here, they’ll offer detailed guidance on how to stop your AC from short-cycling, whether you need a refrigerant recharge, duct maintenance, compressor repairs, or something else entirely.
Plus, working with us means you get access to regular cooling deals, expert maintenance tips, and affordable financing for big-ticket fixes and replacements.
Service Areas We Cover
Service Lion provides AC repair and maintenance services throughout Orange County, including:
- Brea, CA – 92821, 92823
- Orange, CA – 92865, 92866, 92867, 92868, 92869
- Anaheim, CA – 92801, 92802, 92804, 92805, 92806, 92807, 92808
- Fullerton, CA – 92831, 92832, 92833, 92835
- Santa Ana, CA – 92701, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707
- Tustin, CA – 92780, 92782
- Garden Grove, CA – 92840, 92841, 92843, 92844, 92845
- Yorba Linda, CA – 92886, 92887
- Placentia, CA – 92870
Why Choose Service Lion for AC Repair
For over a decade, homeowners in Orange County have put their trust in Service Lion to offer routine AC maintenance and rapid repairs when it matters most. So if you’re dealing with AC short-cycling, subpar cooling in the home, or any other issue with this vital piece of HVAC equipment, don’t wait. Contact us and start enjoying the comforts of home again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AC short cycling bad for my air conditioner?
Yes, short-cycling puts excess strain on the components of your AC, wearing them out and reducing the system lifespan.
What causes AC short cycling?
AC short-cycling can be caused by obstructed airflow, thermostat problems, low refrigerant, a failing compressor, an electrical issue, or ice build-up on your evaporator coils.
Can a bad thermostat cause AC short cycling?
A failing thermostat can cause AC short-cycling. Fortunately, this is a less expensive fix than many of the other problems that can cause AC short-cycling.
Why does my AC compressor keep short cycling?
If the compressor is short-cycling, it may be due to blocked airflow (either a dirty filter or an obstructed compressor unit), low refrigerant, or improper AC sizing.
