What does it mean if your AC short-cycles? Basically, it’s a fancy word describing a system that continuously turns on and off quickly. As a result, it never completes a full cycle. This can impact the comfort in your home, the longevity of your HVAC system, and your monthly utility costs.
At Radiant Plumbing, we pride ourselves on looking out for the comfort and financial well-being of our clients. Our licensed technicians provide regular maintenance and air conditioner repair services that can save you the cost of buying and installing a new unit before its time.
What Causes AC Short-Cycling?
Here are the three most common causes of AC or heat pump short-cycling.
Dirty Air Filter
Failing to change your air filter may lead to limited airflow. If air cannot flow properly through your AC unit, heat can build up, causing the unit to cycle off and on. Set a reminder to change out your dirty air filter on a monthly cadence and avoid costly repairs.
Evaporator Coils Are Frozen
Air conditioner coils sometimes freeze for a variety of reasons, including mechanical problems or a dirty filter. Shut down the system, replace the filter, and turn it back on. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, give our HVAC contractors a call.
Wiring and Electrical Problems
An improperly wired AC unit can short-circuit every time the unit loses power. It’s important to get a licensed AC specialist in right away to handle the electrical repairs. This poses a fire hazard that threatens the safety of your home and loved ones.
Size of Your System
Believe it or not, if your air conditioner is too big, your home will suffer from inconsistent cooling and hot spots. As a result, your system will run more frequently to match the temperature of each room to that of the thermostat. In order to prevent constant starting and stopping, we can replace your HVAC unit with one designed for the size of your home.
What Problems Does Short-Cycling Cause?
Air conditioners require the most power when starting up. Therefore, constant startups can cause a power drain that dramatically increases your utility bills. Additionally, your compressor can wear out more quickly, leading to a burnt-out unit and reduced useful life.
Contact Radiant Plumbing to schedule regular AC maintenance services that can keep your unit running longer and prevent costly short-cycling. Radiant is Austin and San Antonio’s #1 in AC service. Ever since our founding in 1999, we have been dedicated to providing 5-star service to our local communities. As a Texas resident, you know you need your AC system to work properly year round. AC service is our field of expertise. If your system is underperforming, don’t think twice about contacting us. An expert Radiant technician is ready to be dispatched to your home at a moment’s notice.
