Why Short-Cycling Is Bad For Your AC

The reasons why your air conditioner may be short-cycling are many. It could be due to a number of factors, including a leaky refrigerant or frost-covered evaporator coils. Other causes of short-cycling can include a malfunctioning thermostat, defective compressor parts, and an oversized unit. In any case, short-cycling is not good for your air conditioner and could lead to expensive repairs or premature replacement.

Overheating

There are many reasons why short-cycling is bad for your air conditioner. For one, it wastes energy. In fact, your AC consumes most of its energy power when the compressor kicks on. Since the compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system, it must be working properly for the cooling system to work. But a faulty compressor can cause short-cycling, which can be extremely expensive to repair. Luckily, there are safety controls installed on some models that prevent the compressor from overheating and causing expensive repairs.

Short-cycling is bad for your AC as it results in overheating. Short-cycling occurs when your AC begins a cooling cycle but does not complete it. The compressor starts and stops several times before it reaches its cooling capacity. This leads to premature compressor wear and a higher energy bill. Ultimately, short-cycling leads to overheating and can damage your air conditioning system. Houston air conditioner repair can help you with overheating problems.

Burn-out

If your AC is short-cycling, it may be time to have it checked out by a professional. The cause of short-cycling can be many, and can include a clogged air filter, a damaged duct system, or poor insulation. Even a dirty air filter can be a source of short-cycling. If you’re experiencing short-cycling, contact a licensed HVAC technician for a free estimate.

Another common cause of short-cycling is inadequate refrigerant. This can cause your air conditioner to run at the wrong time and cause ice to form. Inappropriate thermostat placement can also cause short-cycling. Oversized air conditioners are another culprit. These are ideal for cool your indoor space quickly and maintain a set temperature, but they can be troublesome. To prevent short-cycling, make sure your thermostat is located properly and has a clear path to follow.

Premature Replacement

Besides being bad for the environment, premature replacement of your AC is a waste of money. The primary reason for premature replacement of your AC is short-cycling, which is a process by which your air conditioning system fails to complete its cooling cycle. A dirty AC coil is not able to cool your home as efficiently, and it also becomes susceptible to leaks and corrosion. In order to avoid premature replacement of your air conditioner, you should regularly clean and inspect it.

The best way to prevent this problem is to schedule annual maintenance. A professional will check your air conditioner and identify any problem areas. If any parts have become loose, they will need to be replaced. This process may cost more than just replacing your AC. If you do not schedule annual maintenance, your air conditioner could develop a problem and cause you to spend more money on repairs. Regardless of whether you need your AC repaired every year or just once, you should consider having annual maintenance.

If you feel that your AC is short cycling, get it repaired as soon as possible. We are just a call away.