Why Do AC Systems Short-Cycle?

You turn your AC on to make your home more comfortable. Minutes later, it shuts off — long before your home reaches the right temperature. You’re left confused and frustrated that your home is still warm. 

What’s the issue? It’s called short cycling. Let’s review why it happens and when it’s time to call an AC company in Heathrow, FL.

A Brief Look at Short-Cycling

Your air conditioner should run until your home reaches the desired temperature. But it needs to be working correctly to do this. 

With a properly functioning AC, the system will turn off once your thermostat reaches the target temperature. It will stay off until it needs to cool your home again. Short-cycling happens when the AC turns off before it reaches the set temperature. It then turns back on shortly afterward, repeating the cycle.

Why Is My AC Turning On and Off Again Quickly?

One of the top reasons your system might short-cycle is that it is too large for your home. Oversized ACs will cool a space too quickly, causing the thermostat to shut things down before it has a chance to get going. If you didn't size your unit before installing it, that could be the reason for a short-cycling.

A clogged filter is another common reason. Remember to switch out your filter every three months or so to promote proper airflow through the system. This will help prevent short-cycling and ensure your system is doing its best to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Finally, low refrigerant levels will cause short-cycling. You might have a refrigerant leak, which can be a sign of bigger problems. Your best bet is to contact an AC company in Heathrow, FL, to address this issue, regardless of the reason it’s happening. 

A technician will give you a clear, definitive answer and offer a solution to the problem. Otherwise, you might be dealing with an unoptimized or even broken HVAC system for months.

Call the Premier AC Company in Heathrow, FL, for AC Repair

Are you dealing with short-cycling and not sure how to proceed? Contact our team today to schedule a maintenance visit, and we’ll help you figure out the issue and provide the fix, too!