Air conditioning is meant to come on and stay on for at least 10 to 15 minutes, often much longer. If your AC continues to turn off after 15 minutes or less every single time, or even just minutes after it first kicks on, your unit is “short cycling.” This means you may need repairs to your air conditioning unit.
Short cycling should always be addressed and fixed, but it may be something simple you can try to handle yourself. If your AC is also blowing warm or hot air, this may be a sign of a serious problem. An air conditioning repair company in Boulder City from Ambient Edge can help with any of these situations, from big to small.
You May Have a Problem if Your Air Conditioner Turns Off Right Away
If your AC is turning off too quickly, you may be unsure of what the problem is. Rather than after 15 minutes, you may notice that your air conditioning unit turns on and then off immediately. If this is the case, you most likely have problems with the electrical components or the run capacitor.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are a common cause of short cycling. This may indicate that there is an issue with the electrical supply line or the capacitor could be broken or failing. This can be caused by the thermostat, electrical connections in the system, or the circuit boards.
Bad Run Capacitor
Your AC’s run capacitor gives your system the initial boost of energy it needs to turn on and provide continuous power. Sometimes, this part can get ruined. The intermittent power that’s supplied to your unit will cause it to turn off unexpectedly and then back on.
Clogged Drain Line
Most AC systems have a safety feature called a float switch. This will turn off your system when the water in the drain line is not flowing properly and begins to back up. If you have already ruled out thermostat and electrical problems, pay close attention to see if the air does not circulate when you turn your thermostat to auto.
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Why Short Cycling Is Bad for Your Unit
When it comes to HVAC problems, short cycling is one of the easiest to diagnose. It occurs when an air conditioner or furnace turns on and off more frequently than usual. Short cycling is bad for a few reasons:
- It means you are wasting energy and driving up energy costs for your home.
- You may not be achieving comfortable temperatures or cooling evenly.
- In many cases, it means something is wrong with the unit.
If something is wrong with your unit, you will need to figure out what it is. Typically, short cycling can come from an incorrect unit size or programmable thermostat problems. However, it could also be caused by neglected routine maintenance or something that might require a simple repair.
What Happens When Your Air Conditioner Short Cycles
Your AC unit may continue to short cycle for days, several weeks, or even months before you notice the problem. This may continue before you fully understand what is going on. The impact of the short cycling may be felt in a number of ways, including:
- Higher humidity levels in your home – Your air conditioner is supposed to not only remove heat from your home but reduce humidity as well. This humidity in the air is trapped within the walls of your home when your unit short cycles.
- An increase in your energy bills – When your central air conditioner has to work harder, your energy usage costs rise. This is because when the unit is short cycling, it uses more energy than your functioning AC unit would.
- Increased wear and tear on your HVAC – Air conditioners and compressors have an estimated life of up to twenty years when maintained. But when the unit is short-cycling, it wears them down over time, which could wind up costing you a lot for a new AC.
AC Problems that Cause Your Unit to Shut Off
Some issues with your air conditioner can make it shut off after just 15 minutes or less. There are many potential issues that could be causing them. However, it is usually one of these issues:
- Unit is overheating – This usually indicates that there is grime buildup within the compressor, but it could also be indicative of a more complex refrigerant leak.
- Faulty thermostat – The wiring may have been damaged on your thermostat, or there may be an electrical problem.
- Lack of annual maintenance – Air conditioners require regular maintenance at least once a year (twice a year is better in the desert). With an affordable air conditioning maintenance plan at an experienced repair company, you can keep your AC in top shape.
Three Easy Fixes for an AC that Keeps Shutting Off
These fixes will not work in every case, and they will not resolve an air conditioner with a faulty component. However, these situations are worth checking before you call in a professional. You can check these three things on your own:
- The thermostat settings – Something similar applies to checking even the most basic things before deciding your AC is broken. Try setting the thermostat temperature lower and see if the AC stays on longer.
- The timer – Similarly, your thermostat may have timer settings, even if you’ve never used them. Check your manual or the menus on the thermostat to see if you can change the timer.
- Your thermostat location – Wherever the thermostat is located is where it senses the indoor temperature and decides if it’s cool enough yet. If the thermostat is away from windows, near an AC vent, or on the shady side of the house, there could be a problem. Your thermostat may simply need to be relocated.
If these aren’t causing your air conditioner to turn off and short cycle, in most cases, it means you will need to contact a professional. Our team with Ambient Edge recognizes the signs of short cycling from the start. We can get your system up and running again in no time.
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Our Ambient Edge experts provide fast, effective AC repairs, and a 5-star guarantee. We can diagnose your air conditioner’s problem, get it running, and ensure it’s doing a good job of cooling your home. Call us or fill out our online contact form and speak with an AC pro today.
