What is A/C Short-Cycling?
A/C short-cycling can leave you puzzled and concerned about its impact on your home comfort and expenses. In essence, it involves your heat pump or air conditioning system rapidly turning on and off without completing a full cycle. Despite its seemingly minor nature, this issue can lead to significant consequences, influencing your home’s comfort, your HVAC system’s lifespan, and your monthly utility costs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of A/C short-cycling, shedding light on what it entails and offering valuable insights into preventing and resolving this common concern.
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.
Common Causes of Short-Cycling
Dirty Air Filter
Failing to change your air filter may lead to limited airflow. If air cannot flow properly through your A/C 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 A/C unit can short-circuit every time the unit loses power. It’s important to get a licensed A/C 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.
Ensure the longevity of your A/C unit and safeguard against costly short-cycling by scheduling regular maintenance services with Radiant Plumbing. As Austin and San Antonio’s leading heating and plumbing service provider, we’ve proudly delivered 5-star service to our local communities since our establishment for over 25 years. Living in Texas, you understand the year-round importance of a properly functioning A/C system, and that’s where we excel. If your system is underperforming or you’re facing any A/C-related concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our expert technicians are always ready to respond promptly to your home’s needs, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind.
