Short cycling or your AC turning on and off frequently may be due to various reasons. It is one of the most common issues homeowners face with their AC units. While it may seem like a small problem, it can lead to significant issues if not fixed on time.
Here are some of the most common causes of AC turning on and off.
An Oversized Air Conditioner
If your brand new AC switches on and off immediately, it’s conceivable that your home’s AC unit is just too large. A large air conditioner will chill your house rapidly, turn off nearly instantly, and turn on again before it is needed.
It is because it distributes cold air unevenly and acts erratically as a consequence. If you think your air conditioner is too big, investigate what you can do to get a smaller one.
A Dirty Air Filter
If your air filters are dusty, clogged, or unclean, it will influence how well your air conditioner works. If your air conditioner cycles on and off, always open it up and inspect the air filters. Dirty filters might impede airflow into your unit.
As a result, the coils within the unit will freeze, forcing the air conditioner to cut off prematurely. If you want to prevent this in the future, clean your filters regularly.
Dirty Condenser Coils
In addition to having dirty air filters, your AC unit’s condenser coils may also be dirty. The condenser coils are located outside and responsible for dispelling heat from your home.
If the coils are covered in dust or debris, they will not be able to function correctly. As a result, your AC system will have to perform harder to cool your home, which will cause it to cycle on and off more frequently.
If you think the system has dirty condenser coils, you can clean them with a brush or hose. However, if they are severely dirty, you may need to replace them entirely.
Thermostat Problems
If your AC unit is cycling on and off frequently, it could signify that your thermostat is not working appropriately. Thermostats are responsible for regulating the temperature in your home. Whether you have a smart thermostat vs programmable thermostat, if they are not working appropriately, your air conditioner will turn on and off more frequently to reach the desired temperature.
There are a few signs that your thermostat is not working correctly, such as:
- Your AC unit turns on and off at random times.
- The temperature in your home is not consistent.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual.
Electrical Problems
When your AC unit has electrical problems, it will turn on and off frequently. Loose wires or a tripped breaker typically cause electrical issues.
If you suspect that your AC unit has electrical problems, you should call a professional to inspect it. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could be dangerous.
Refrigerant Leak
If your air conditioner’s refrigerant leaks, it will turn on and off frequently. Refrigerant is responsible for cooling the air in your home. If there is a leak, the refrigerant will escape, causing your AC unit to work harder to cool your home.
A refrigerant leak can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- A hole in the refrigerant line
- A damaged condenser coil
- A faulty compressor
If you suspect that your AC unit is leaking refrigerant, you should call a professional to inspect it. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could be dangerous.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils are located inside your AC unit, and they are responsible for absorbing heat from the air in your home. Your evaporator coils are likely freezing up if your air conditioner has ventilation problems or a refrigerant leak. When this occurs, your air conditioner, or only your exterior air conditioner, will switch off until the ice melts, then turn back on.
If the coils are frozen, they will not be able to absorb heat properly. As a result, your AC unit will have to work harder to cool your home, which will cause it to cycle on and off more frequently.
Conclusion
If your AC unit is turning on and off frequently, it could be due to several issues. Dirty air filters, dirty condenser coils, and thermostat problems can cause your AC unit to cycle on and off more frequently. In addition, electrical problems, refrigerant leaks, and frozen evaporator coils may also cause your AC unit to turn on and off frequently.
If you suspect that any of these issues are causing your AC unit to turn on and off frequently, you should call a professional to inspect it. Attempting to fix the problem yourself could be dangerous. You can reach out to Furnace Repair Winnipeg for AC services.
