AC short cycling is an easy issue to diagnose. The most obvious sign is that you will notice the air conditioner turning on and off again and again, and these short cycles make it hard to cool the house effectively. Another major sign of AC short cycling is humidity. If your AC cannot run through a full cycle, it will not treat all the air in your home, leaving humidity in the air. The house may also not reach the target temperature as the short cycles, again, do not allow for all the air in the home to be treated. So if you notice your AC short cycling, and turning on a few times within an hour, it may be time to call the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons.
Why is My AC Short Cycling?
There are a few reasons why your AC may be short cycling. Airflow issues are a common cause, driven by a dirty or clogged air filter, or by leaks and gaps in your ducts. It may also be the case that covered air return vents are the problem, preventing air from reaching the unit in the first place. These are relatively easy to fix, by sealing ducts or uncovering vents.
More serious causes of short cycling, however, might be low refrigerant or a dirty evaporator coil. Dirty components, in general, can spell big trouble for an HVAC system, so it is important to get your system maintained regularly to prevent AC short cycling as well as a whole host of other problems. Refrigerant issues are a bit more complicated. If the low refrigerant is being caused by a leak, that will need to be addressed and the refrigerant refilled.
Finally, oversized air conditioners are another common cause of AC short cycling. An oversized unit will hit the target temperature quickly and shut off, leading to short cycling. This is not only bad for your energy bill, but it can damage your AC unit as well. Short AC cycles can wear out components inside the system and lead to even more problems. An HVAC technician can help you determine if your AC unit is too large for your home.
Dealing with Short Cycling
One reason to deal with AC short cycling right away is that it can cause this sort of damage, but it also has a big impact on air conditioner energy usage. So, over time, not only do you risk damage to your HVAC system, you will be paying a lot more on energy bills than with a well-functioning AC unit.
Get Help for Your AC Short Cycling Problems
While you might be able to address an issue such as blocked vents or dirty air filters on your own, it is not a bad idea to have a professional technician look at your system anyway when you are experiencing AC short cycling. The risks to your HVAC system and your home can be pretty significant. So, if you notice your AC short cycling, get in touch with the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons today and one of our technicians can take a look.
