AC Short Cycling: What Is It and How Do I Fix It in Bedford, IN?

There’s nothing worse than coming home to a warm house on a hot summer day, but you might be scratching your head as to why. After all, your air conditioner isn’t broken: it’s still turning on, even if it doesn’t run as long as it used to.

This common issue is AC short cycling, and our expert repair team sees it again and again throughout the year. It might seem like a small problem, but it can cause your AC to wear itself out over time. Let’s take a look at why short cycling happens and what to do about it.

What Is AC Short Cycling?

Your AC’s “cycles” are its periods of cooling. They happen from the time your AC turns on to the time the AC brings your house to the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat.

AC short cycling happens when your system doesn’t complete a full cycle. You’ll notice it’s happening because your cooling cycle doesn’t run for as long as it should. Depending on the problem, your AC may run for just a minute or two instead of its usual longer cycles.

As you can likely guess, this issue can cause your AC to use more energy than it usually does without cooling your home as much as it should.

What Can I Do About Air Conditioner Short Cycling?

AC cycles can shorten for a few reasons, some of which you can fix on your own and some of which you’ll need a professional to address.

A clogged air filter is a common culprit. Dirty filters restrict airflow, causing your AC to struggle to circulate air as it should. If you haven’t changed your filter in the last one to three months, you may be due for a switch.

Another common culprit is frozen evaporator coils. If you notice ice on your coils, turn your AC unit off and let the ice melt. You should also contact an expert for repair services.

Low refrigerant levels can also cause HVAC short cycling. Look for leaks, but don’t try to fix or clean the fluid: refrigerant is a hazardous substance. Have a pro come to patch the leak and add more refrigerant.

Sometimes, installation issues can also disrupt your cooling cycle. If your AC isn’t the right size for your home, for example, or if your thermostat isn’t properly placed, your air conditioner may struggle to keep up.

If you aren’t sure what’s causing your short cycling, the issue might be a mechanical failure. Problems with your low-pressure control switch or compressor can lead to short cycling as well. Have an HVAC professional check and replace these components.

Fix Your Air Conditioner Fast

When your AC is short cycling, it’s crucial to act fast to ensure your household’s comfort and reduce the strain on your system. Troubleshooting the issue using the possible causes above may help you address the problem.

If a simple filter change doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll want to contact a pro! The team at Dayton’s Heating and Cooling is proud to offer expert AC repair to homeowners throughout the Springville, Mitchell, Bedford, and Orleans areas. Contact us today at 812-892-2402 or request a service online.