Is your AC shutting off every 10 to 15 minutes? For some homeowners, their AC cycles so often that it seems someone is unplugging and plugging it back in on a set schedule. It can be extremely frustrating when your AC fails to properly cool your home, especially when there is no discernible source of your problems. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons for your AC problems, along with perfect solutions and preventative measures you can follow. We’ll break them down and advise homeowners on how to find the answer to fix their faulty AC.
How Short Cycling Can Affect Your AC
Short cycling describes when your HVAC system shuts off its heating or cooling cycles before bringing the area to the desired temperature. This can frustrate homeowners, leading to a unit that works twice as hard to cool your home, increased humidity and energy bills, and tremendous discomfort. Eventually, major parts like your condenser or compressor will wear down prematurely, leading to severe repair costs or the need for a new air conditioning installation or replacement. Avoid short cycles by understanding the issues causing them and getting proper maintenance and repairs for air conditioning systems.
Your Air Filters Are Dirty
Changing an air filter is a simple task that many homeowners overlook. It’s easy to forget about these vital components, but over time, the accumulated dust and debris can cause your AC to keep shutting down due to a lack of airflow. Clean your central air conditioning unit filters every 1–3 months, concentrating on the shorter time span in the heat of the summer. This way, you’ll ensure smooth airflow and clean air all year round.
You Have a Faulty Thermostat or One Located in the Wrong Area
Thermostats are responsible for dictating when your AC turns on and off, so you probably don’t want yours concentrated in an area that doesn’t accurately reflect the temperature inside your home. Unfortunately, some homeowners have thermostats near windows, doorways, or in sunlight, which distorts the temperature reading. This can lead to short cycling and an uncomfortable environment at home. Additionally, if your unit experiences wiring or other electrical problems, it can cause faulty readings and damage your AC.
Your Unit Is Low on Refrigerant
Refrigerant runs through your AC and ensures that the hot air from in your home is cooled effectively. Low refrigerant levels won’t create enough cool air, leading to problems with your heat exchange. Low refrigerant levels only come from leaks within your system, so calling a professional AC repair team ensures that any damage to your lines is repaired for good.
Your Air Conditioner Is Too Large For Your Home
Believe it or not, your AC must be a certain size to power your home. An air conditioner that’s too small won’t have enough juice to keep all your rooms cool. But a large AC might be so powerful that it cools your home far too quickly. But your home will soon heat up after the cycle ends, leading to repeated 10 or 15-minute cycles of your unit. AC units are much more efficient when they run longer and keep your room at a set, even temperature.
Your Evaporator Coils Are Frozen
Evaporator coils move heat out of the air inside your home. These coils can freeze over time due to dirt accumulation from a lack of maintenance. Insufficient airflow will cause the coils to develop ice, shutting down your unit prematurely and leading to much confusion at home. Instead of letting frozen evaporator coils develop in your system, make sure to get proper maintenance and keep an eye out for any sudden short cycling within your AC.
Turn to OverCool Group to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly
The last thing any homeowner should do is ignore issues plaguing their AC units. This is especially true when a team of expert residential AC repair specialists is right in your backyard. For Essex County, NJ, homeowners, OverCool Group provides fast, affordable, and effective repairs for all problems causing their AC systems to turn off by themselves. Prepare yourself for the worst of the summer by reaching out to our team, and we’ll identify the source of your issue and form an action plan to restore full functionality to your unit. So contact OverCool Group today to service your AC with the pros!
