Short cycling is often described as the air conditioning unit rapidly turning on and off. When the air conditioner switches on and then suddenly turns off, this is considering short cycling. This occurrence indicates a problem. There are a number of problems that can cause short cycling, so it important to determine what is causing the short cycling. Absolute P&M Services will share what can cause short cycling and how to correct the problem.
Need to Correct Oversized Air Conditioner
One of the most common problem that causes short cycling is an oversized air conditioner unit. Yes, an air conditioner unit can be too big for the space that the unit is cooling. It is a common misconception that a large unit will cool down the home faster and use less energy when running. However, this is not how air conditioner systems work. It is essential that the cooling space is properly calculated and that the unit meets the space requirements. Often when a unit is too big the air will feel clammy and lead to high humidity, as well as short cycling. The only solution for an oversized unit is to replace the air conditioner with a proper size unit.
Ice Build Up on Evaporator Coils
One issue that can cause short cycling is when ice builds up around the evaporator coils. When the coils ice up it is due to an air flow or circulation problem. As the ice builds up on the evaporator coils it can cause the air conditioner unit to switch off. If the ice does melt before the unit kicks back on it will simply shut off again. When the evaporator coils ice up you will need to turn off the air conditioning unit until the ice melts before switching the air conditioner back on. Next, the cause of the evaporator coils icing up must also be determined. Check the air filters. If the filters are clean, contact an HVAC services.
Dirty & Clogged Air Conditioning Filter
When the air filters are neglected and never get changed, the air conditioner air flow becomes restricted which causes stress on the air conditioner unit. The stress on the air conditioner unit can cause overheating quickly. As the unit overheats the air conditioner will switch off which causes a short cycling reaction. In maintaining the health of the air conditioning system, the air filters must be routinely inspected and changed as necessary to prevent premature wear of the entire HVAC system.
AC Refrigerant Leak
Another problem that triggers short cycling is when there is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant helps create the cool air and keeps the air conditioner unit from overheating. If there is a leak and the refrigerant is low, often the air conditioner will overheat and shut down suddenly. In order to detect a refrigerant leak a HVAC technician will need to inspect the air conditioner unit. Often leaks are easily spotted and can be repaired and the refrigerant refilled.
Central Air Conditioning Repair Services in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston & Greater Houston, Texas
When your air conditioner begins short cycling, contact a professional HVAC service. Absolute P&M Services can help determine the cause and provide a solution for short cycling and other HVAC problems. Contact Absolute P&M Services today.
