Short cycling is when an AC turns on and off without properly completing a cooling cycle. This behavior can be extraordinarily damaging, so all homeowners in Semmes, AL need to recognize that it’s happening and take the appropriate steps to return their AC functioning to normal. To help you do that, let’s explore some issues that can cause your AC to short cycle.
Dirty Filters
If enough debris accumulates on your AC’s filters, air cannot flow through the system as it should. This will not only diminish the overall efficiency of the system but also probably cause it to overheat.
As this overheating grows worse, it may trip one of the safety switches in your air conditioning, shutting the system down to prevent it from sustaining further damage. Then after your AC cools down a bit, it will turn back on again. The repetition of this process will result in short cycling.
You must be careful not to allow your HVAC filters to become too dirty. We recommend cleaning or changing them every 90 days at least.
Refrigerant Leaks
To create cool air, your AC needs refrigerant. Ordinarily, refrigerant should absorb heat from your home’s air, travel to the compressor, and then compress further before condensing and releasing its heat outdoors. If any refrigerant leaks out, your air conditioning will not be able to complete this cycle.
Consequently, your system’s heating cycles will shrink in length and intensity. This can cause short cycling.
Oversized System
If your current AC happens to be too big for your house, it will quickly cool the rooms nearest to your thermostat but leave the more distant rooms warm and humid. As a result, your air conditioning will both short cycle and fail to adequately dehumidify the air. The only real solution to this problem is to install a new system that fits your home’s size.
What we have discussed are the main reasons that may trigger AC short cycling. If you notice this concerning behavior in your home in Semmes, AL, call Air Specialty and schedule AC repairs.
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