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If your air conditioner keeps turning on and off every few minutes, you might be dealing with a frustrating—and potentially damaging—issue known as short-cycling. At Air Services Unlimited, we often get calls from homeowners experiencing this exact problem, especially during the peak cooling season in our part of Texas.
The good news? You’re not alone. The better news? We can help. Let’s take a closer look at what short-cycling is, why it’s bad news for your AC system, and how our expert technicians can fix it with air conditioning repair—before it leads to bigger headaches.
What Is Short-Cycling?
Short-cycling happens when your air conditioning system turns on, runs briefly, and then shuts off—only to turn back on again shortly afterward. A normal AC cycle should last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the temperature and humidity levels. But when your system is short-cycling, those cycles might be cut down to just 2–5 minutes or less.
This constant stopping and starting doesn’t give the system enough time to properly cool your home, and it puts significant strain on the equipment, especially the compressor—the heart of your AC system.
Why Is Short-Cycling a Problem?
Short-cycling isn’t just a nuisance. It’s a sign that something’s wrong, and ignoring it can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Higher energy bills due to inefficient performance
- Increased wear and tear on your system’s components
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Reduced comfort from inconsistent cooling
- Potential compressor failure, which can be very expensive to repair or replace
In many cases, short-cycling is a symptom of a larger issue—one that should be diagnosed by a licensed HVAC technician.
What Causes an AC to Short-Cycle?
There are several potential culprits behind an AC that won’t stop turning on and off. Some of the most common include:
1. Oversized AC System
If your air conditioner is too large for your home, it will cool your space too quickly and shut off before completing a full cycle. This may sound like a good thing—but it’s not. Quick bursts of cooling don’t allow for proper dehumidification, and they cause your system to turn on and off repeatedly, leading to premature wear.
2. Clogged Air Filters
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down prematurely. This is one of the simplest causes to fix—just replacing your air filter monthly can help prevent short-cycling and improve overall efficiency.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant due to a leak in the system can also cause short-cycling. Without enough refrigerant, the system can’t absorb heat properly, which often causes the compressor to shut down and restart in rapid succession. Refrigerant issues should always be addressed by a professional.
4. Thermostat Problems
A malfunctioning or poorly placed thermostat can send incorrect signals to your system. For example, if the thermostat is located in direct sunlight or near a drafty window, it may “think” your home is cooler or warmer than it really is and cause the system to cycle unnecessarily.
5. Electrical or Control Board Issues
Faulty electrical components or a damaged control board can cause communication errors that lead to short-cycling. These issues are complex and require the expertise of a trained HVAC technician.
Don’t Let Short-Cycling Shorten Your Comfort
When you call Air Services Unlimited, you’re not getting guesswork—you’re getting professional diagnosis and repair. Our skilled technicians will inspect your system, identify the root cause of the short-cycling, and recommend the most effective solution.
Contact us today to schedule a professional AC inspection. We’ll make sure your cooling system runs smoothly, efficiently, and reliably all season long.
Contact Air Services Unlimited—Exceeding Customer Expectations!