Short cycling is an issue that affects many homeowners but that remains relatively unknown among them. Understanding what can cause this problem is essential for maintaining an efficient, long-lasting home heating and temperature control system. Here are some of the most common reasons why HVAC units short cycle so that you can troubleshoot the problem and get your unit back up and running smoothly.
1. The Air Filter Is Dirty
Dust and other particles accumulate in your air filter, reducing the airflow into the system and increasing strain on the motor. The strain causes your HVAC to cycle off before completing its regular operating cycle, leading to lower efficiency and decreased indoor air quality over time. To keep on top of this issue and get back to maximum capacity from your system, cleaning or replacing your filters when they become clogged regularly is essential. Not only will this ensure that you see better energy efficiency in the long run, but it will also help improve air circulation inside your home or business.
2. The Thermostat Is Set Too Low
When investigating the source of short cycling, checking whether the thermostat is set too low is one of the first things to look for. Setting your thermostat lower than the current temperature will cause your unit to cycle to reach that desired-but-unobtainable temperature constantly. This can also cause the unit to overheat and shut down prematurely. If this is the case, you’ll need an HVAC technician from Texas Pride Heating & Air to reprogram the settings and adjust it accordingly.
3. The Coils Are Frozen
The coils help transfer heat, so when frozen, it makes it harder for the unit to do its job correctly. When the coils freeze, the temperature in your space drops below what is needed to create and maintain a comfortable atmosphere. When the coils are frozen, they cannot absorb heat properly, which causes the unit to overheat and shut down prematurely.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to have an HVAC technician clean your coils regularly and keep them free of dirt and debris. You should also make sure that there is adequate airflow around the coils so that they can stay cool. Insulating the area around your unit using perforated materials helps reduce freezing since it can put a barrier between the warm room air and colder external conditions.
4. The Compressor Is Damaged
The compressor controls cooling processes and circulates refrigerant throughout the system. If your compressor is damaged, it will not be able to circulate refrigerant properly, which will cause your HVAC unit to overheat and shut down prematurely. The problem will usually be evident from an increase in noise from within, caused by loose parts rattling around inside or the fan grinding on something solid. Call a professional from Texas Pride Heating & Air for help if you suspect a compressor defect is behind your short-cycling problems.
5. There Is a Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerants are essential to the proper operation of an air conditioning unit, and a lack of adequate coolant makes it much harder for the unit to produce cool air. If refrigerant levels fall, so does the overall efficiency of your AC system, which can lead to poor output and cause your HVAC to run in short cycles as it struggles to cool down your home. To prevent this from happening, have an HVAC technician from Texas Pride Heating & Air check for leaks regularly and repair them as soon as possible.
6. Wiring and Electrical Problems
Wiring problems can include anything from frayed wires to an improperly sized electric wire causing the unit to malfunction. Damaged and frayed wiring can be hazardous, leading to shocks and fire hazards if gone unchecked. Furthermore, other electrical issues, like loose connections on capacitors or contractors of the system, may also be to blame for your HVAC’s short-cycling problem. In any case, identifying and adequately fixing such issues need the involvement of experienced professionals who will understand how to diagnose the cause and execute a safe repair without damaging your expensive HVAC unit even further.
Rely on the Professionals
Short cycling of your HVAC unit can indicate multiple issues, some simple and others more complex. If your home’s HVAC unit is short cycling, this can be caused by several issues, including a dirty air filter, refrigerant leaks, thermostat problems, or an incorrectly sized HVAC unit. As soon as you notice that your unit is short cycling, you must contact a professional from Texas Pride Heating & Air to diagnose the issue and make necessary repairs. The earlier the issue is addressed, the lower your risk for extensive damage and costly repairs down the line. Our expert technicians have years of experience troubleshooting a variety of HVAC problems.
We also offer comprehensive heating and cooling services in Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas. Some of the services include installing and repairing heating systems, air conditioners, indoor air quality, insulation, and ventilation. Contact Texas Pride Heating & Air today for outstanding heating, cooling, and indoor air quality solutions.
