If you own an air conditioner, you have probably experienced short cycling. This term is common in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning cycle (HVAC) circles, and in the long run, short cycling could cripple your AC’s performance.
Essentially, short cycling is the tip of the iceberg. It lets you know that something deeper is wrong with the entire system. Also, it could be a cause of something else that will, without a doubt, limit the device’s functionality.
Luckily, a few tweaks here and there can solve the issue in most cases. However, sometimes you may be compelled to engage an HVAC expert. This is where we come in handy. If you’re looking for AC repair in Weatherford, TX, we are here to solve your AC problem on demand.
But first, let’s learn what it is, its causes, and why it’s imperative to engage professional service in repair. Read on.
What Is Short-Cycling?
It occurs when the HVAC unit gets stuck during the start-up cycle leading to the system going on and off abruptly before the completion of a cooling cycle.
Ideally, the air conditioner switches on the compressor and requires it to remain on until the thermostat signals that the desired temperature has been achieved.
Nonetheless, the compressor will go off prematurely with short cycling before the set temperature has been realized. This, in turn, prompts the overworking of the compressor.
What Causes Short-Cycling?
The following are the probable causes of AC short cycling:
- Presence of dirt/dust in the air filter
- Improperly sized AC–It could be larger or smaller than the demand.
- Leaks in the system leading to low refrigerant levels.
- Air escape in a leaking AC ventilation system.
- Poor thermostat calibration resulting in incorrect temperature readings.
What Short-Cycling Means for your Home?
While short cycling is a sign that something is wrong, it also has some severe downsides if not dealt with; these include:
High power consumption
Ideally, the air conditioner is designed to consume a considerable amount of power during the compressor start-up. Thus, when this occurs numerous times, the power consumption will undoubtedly balloon.
AC wear and tear
The compressor’s frequent and unnecessary starts and stops will accelerate its wear and tear. Thus, overheating is a common occurrence for AC units with short cycling. This, in turn, leads to burnout of the compressor.
Replacing a compressor is quite expensive, and in some instances, you might be compelled to replace the entire unit. Thus, it’s logical to identify the cause and fix it as early as possible to avoid unnecessary costs.
Professional Service
If you have sensed that your AC is experiencing short cycling, it would be best to engage in professional service. This will be handy in unearthing the root cause of the problems. In addition, professionals advise you on the key measures to prevent the issue from recurring in the future.
Also, make sure you engage the services of a reputable professional with experience in AC repair and maintenance. Our company ticks all the boxes and will be your partner in everything AC-related that needs professional assistance.
Contact Don’s AC Service, Inc. today to schedule an appointment with our professionals.