6 Assured Ways To Prevent Short Cycling
One of the most common air conditioning problems people encounter is AC short cycling. When your air conditioner short cycles, this means that it shuts off before it has the ability to cool your entire home. If you notice your unit is quickly shutting on and off again, you may have a problem on your hands. While short cycling can occur if your unit overheats, it also happens when your components become faulty, start to malfunction or are wearing out. Here are some steps you can take to help identify the cause of your short cycling and determine whether it’s time for an AC tune-up.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Why It Matters
There are several reasons why it’s important to remember to replace your air filters on a routine basis. Clean air filters can improve the air quality in your home and may extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. If you don’t regularly replace your air filters, dust, pollen and other allergens will impact your indoor air quality and your family’s health. Clogged air filters can restrict airflow and cause your HVAC system to have to work harder.
What To Do
Remember to replace your air filters regularly. In general, most air conditioning technicians recommend changing out your air filter at least once every three months. However, if you have pets or live in a dusty climate, then you may need to replace your air filters more often to ensure optimal airflow.
Schedule Routine Professional AC Maintenance
Why It Matters
You can prevent your unit from short cycling by remembering to schedule routine AC maintenance for your air conditioner. Through regular maintenance, your technician can identify potential issues early, prevent mechanical failure and ensure proper airflow so it continues to operate efficiently.
What To Do
Ideally, you should schedule routine air conditioning maintenance at least twice a year. The spring and fall are the best times of the year to ensure your unit is working properly. By scheduling routine maintenance services, you can spot minor problems before they become major ones, saving you money on any future repairs.
Inspect and Clean Your Air Conditioner’s Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Why It Matters
Two critical components within your air conditioner are your evaporator and condenser coils. These coils play vital roles in absorbing heat from inside your house and transferring it outside. If they become dirty or frozen, then they cannot work as effectively, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Over time, this strain can shorten the lifespan of your unit.
What To Do
If your evaporator or condenser coil isn’t working effectively, you may notice your home still feels warm even when the AC is continuously running. You may also notice warm or hot air blowing from the vents, puddles of water near the drain pan or ice buildup and frozen lines on the outdoor unit. If this is the case, turn off the unit and allow it to defrost. This allows the ice to melt and makes it easier to inspect the coils.
Make Sure Your AC Isn’t Oversized
Why It Matters
One of the most common reasons why air conditioners short cycle is that the unit is improperly sized. If your air conditioner is not properly sized, then it will be difficult for it to run for the appropriate amount of time to keep your home cool.
What To Do
Unfortunately, the only way to fix this situation is to replace your air conditioning unit. Through an air conditioning tune-up, an HVAC specialist can assess your unit, determine what the proper size is for your property and then replace your existing unit with one that is the right size.
Check Thermostat Placement and Settings
Why It Matters
The thermostat of your air conditioning unit should be located in a part of your house where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate often. However, many people place their thermostat near windows or doors, which causes the sensor to pick up whatever the temperature is outside the home. This causes the air conditioner to work harder to adjust, leading to short cycling.
What To Do
Move your air conditioner’s thermostat to a more appropriate area of your home. You should also make sure that it is calibrated for accuracy. An improperly calibrated thermostat will incorrectly determine the temperature and then short cycle in an attempt to reach that temperature.
Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit
Why It Matters
Your air conditioner unit requires adequate air flow to continue running efficiently. If there are any obstructions like yard debris around your unit, then it can prevent heat from dissipating. This leads to reduced cooling and increased energy consumption. It can even damage your air conditioner over time.
What To Do
Go outside and inspect the area around your unit. Make sure that you keep the area around it free from obstructions so that it continues to receive adequate air flow. This will help ensure it continues running smoothly and effectively.
Why Prevention Is Worth It
When you don’t take the time to schedule routine maintenance, you won’t discover smaller issues before they become big problems. You’ll also be compromising the air quality in your home. By scheduling preventative air conditioner maintenance, you’ll save money by being able to determine the source of minor issues before they cause major disruptions in service. You’ll also enjoy improved air quality and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Call In the Experts at Melbourne One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating
At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, our professional technicians can provide you with air conditioner tune-up services you can rely on. Our team of trained and vetted air conditioning technicians takes pride in the high quality of their work, which is why our services are guaranteed for two years after the date of completion. Here at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re always on time, or you don’t pay a dime.