Why Your Air Conditioner Runs in Short Cycles?
Have you ever come across a situation where your air conditioner keeps kicking on and off from time to time? If your air conditioning unit turns on and off itself, it indicates some problem with your HVAC system; most probably Short Cycling. But is it something you should be concerned about? Well, yes, it means that your HVAC is not functioning properly and is in dire need of some repair work, or might need a simple fix.
Although it isn’t always indicative of a serious issue, short-cycling impacts the efficiency of your system. Keep reading to learn more about what causes your AC to turn on and off rapidly and the toll a short cycle takes on your air conditioning unit.
What is Short Cycling?
Did you know that an average air conditioning unit cycle lasts for almost 20 minutes? So, if your air conditioning unit turns on and off in shorter bursts, it doesn’t cool the space properly. Short-cycling not only reduces the efficiency of your air conditioner, but results in excess wear and tear and increased energy bills – jeopardizing your home’s comfort and your bank balance.
What Causes Your Air Conditioner to Short Cycle?
Without further ado, let’s dive into the root cause of short-cycling:
1) Dirty Air Filters
Functioning of your air conditioner boils down to keeping up with maintenance. If the filters of your air conditioner are clogged with dust, grime, and dirt, restricting the airflow, your AC will have to work hard to compensate for the restricted airflow. This, in turn, puts pressure on both compressor and blower, leading to overheating. Overheating is one of the potential reasons for causing your air conditioning unit to run in short cycles or break down.
2) Low Refrigerant Level
Refrigerants are responsible for keeping your home cool by absorbing the heat from the indoor air. So, a low level of refrigerant won’t be able to cool your home the way it should. This puts extra pressure on other components of your air conditioning unit, causing them to work hard, and may cause your HVAC to kick on and off irregularly.
3) Thermostat Malfunctions
Faulty AC components also cause HVACs to cycle on and off irregularly. One of the culprits is the thermostat. It is what you have the most direct interaction with, ensuring that your HVAC system maintains whatever temperature you choose. If it fails to register the correct temperature, the thermostat might be sending signals to your HVAC system to shut down prematurely.
Moreover, there is another component in your air conditioning unit called a run capacitor. It is essential for maintaining the electric charge/current that keeps the motor running smoothly and reliably. If it fails to do so, your HVAC system won’t be able to keep the motor running up as it should.
Although your HVAC system will not break down right away, and even if the problem is relatively simple to fix, continuous short bursts take a heavy toll on the system – affecting it negatively. No matter if the problem is minor or not, you should never ignore it. Schedule your air conditioner service with QuickAir by calling at 1300 730 896 or visiting our website.