Short-cycling is a problem that affects air conditioners in many homes. Yet, many people don’t recognize the problem and end up with costly repairs on their hands. Keep reading to learn more about what short-cycling is and why it’s important to schedule AC repair in Sun City West, AZ, to fix the problem.
What Is Short-Cycling?
An air conditioner short cycles when it turns on and off at an excessive rate. On average, cooling cycles average 2-3 per hour for about 15-20 minutes each time. On hotter days, the air conditioner might kick on more often and is a normal part of the operation.
What’s not normal is when the AC unit turns on and off frequently shortening the on/off cycle. HVAC experts call this short-cycling and it’s a problem that needs to be addressed right away. Failing to identify the cause of the short-cycling can place unnecessary strain on the cooling unit resulting in breakdowns and complete replacement.
Here are some of the reasons short-cycling happens:
• Thermostat placement: Poor thermostat placement can result in short cycling. Avoid placing thermostats near heat-generating equipment or appliances and in sunny areas.
• AC is too small: Some homes have AC systems that are too small for their homes. The system will naturally turn on and off more often as it tries to cool the home.
• Malfunctioning parts: Dirty air filters, restricted airflow, and damaged parts can also lead to short cycling.
Households experiencing problems with short-cycling should call for AC repair in Sun City West, AZ, to figure out what’s causing the problem and make the necessary repairs.
