Have you noticed recently that your AC has been shutting off every 10 to 15 minutes? If you’re sure no one is playing tricks on you just to scare you, that means the unit has an issue. When it starts up and shuts down on its own for no reason, this is called short cycling. In this blog, we will know more about it and how to fix it. So, read on.
Outline
- The Thermostat is Improperly Placed or Faulty
- Dirty or Blocked Air Filters
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
- Dirty Condenser Coils
- Low Levels of Refrigerant
- Faulty Run Capacitor
- Your AC Has Electrical Issues
- Miscalibrated Thermostat
- Failing Compressor
- Oversized Unit
- Go for Reliable Appliance Repair in Waco, TX
The Thermostat is Improperly Placed or Faulty
The component that determines when your AC system shuts off is the thermostat. If it’s faulty, the cooling cycle will shut down too soon. This happens because there is a problem with the thermostat itself, or it can also be caused by an electrical issue, like bad wiring to the thermostat.
Inappropriate placement is another reason the thermostat can cause your AC system to shut down prematurely. If it’s installed far from your windows, close to the air vent, or on the shady part of your house, it may wrongly read that the room is cooled to the preferred temperature.
Dirty or Blocked Air Filters
Air filters are designed to clean the air that goes inside the AC. So, they must be cleaned or changed at least once a month, especially during summer. Once the filters get dirty and are blocked with dander and dust, the airflow is restricted. This can freeze the evaporator coils, causing the AC to shut down prematurely. Call an appliance repair company near you if changing the air filter does not resolve the problem.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Placed inside the air handler, the evaporator coil is responsible for eliminating heat from the air inside your living space. The blower recirculates the cooled air back via the air vents. If the evaporator coils are dirty, or if the airflow is not enough, ice and frost can build up on the coils, leading to the unit’s sudden shutdown. In turn, your AC system ends up working harder to defrost the coil, causing the AC to overheat and malfunction.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Placed outside your home or office, the condenser coils discharge heat to the outside during the summer season. In a central air conditioning system, the condenser coils are typically on a concrete slab, with the fan on the top of the unit. If the coils get soiled and coated with debris, grime, and dust, they can struggle to do heat exchange appropriately. This can lead to the unit overheating and shutting down suddenly.
Low Levels of Refrigerant
Refrigerant runs through the condenser coils in your air conditioning unit and carries out heat exchange. During summer, this substance absorbs heat inside your room and then dispels it outside through the condenser coils. If there is a leak in the refrigerant line, the heat exchange will struggle to work correctly. If you believe there is a leak in the refrigerant line, contact an air conditioner repair company right away.
Taking this issue for granted can cause harm to the most expensive parts of your AC system. Remember that refrigerant must be self-contained in the line and shouldn’t be regularly topped off. When the level is low, that means there is a leak in the line that should be repaired. If neglected, you will experience the same problem repeatedly.
Faulty Run Capacitor
The run capacitor plays an essential role in providing you with a well-functioning air conditioner. This component provides enough electrical current to switch on your cooling unit and gives sufficient power to keep it working. Once it fails, power might just run sporadically to the AC system, causing it to turn and off quickly. If your AC is not generating cold air, chances are your run capacitor is faulty. Given that this is a complex and sensitive component, it should only be checked and fixed by a professional appliance repair company.
Your AC Has Electrical Issues
Problems with electrical components are another common reason the AC unit suddenly turns off. This can be due to a bad connection, malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty circuit board, or a compressor or condenser not getting enough power. Contact a licensed and reliable appliance repair Waco, TX, to correctly identify and fix the electric issue.
Miscalibrated Thermostat
If the thermostat is miscalibrated, it will inaccurately gauge the specific temperature and tell the unit that the set temperature was reached. This causes your AC unit to switch on and off randomly. If neglected, this can put too much pressure on your system. Here’s a tip: to ensure precise readings, it is vital to have your thermostat in a central position; not closer to vents.
Failing Compressor
A failing AC compressor might begin to short cycle if it cannot keep on for a longer time. This occurrence can only further harm the compressor. Therefore, it is vital to have a professional air conditioner technician check it right away. If the compressor of your AC needs replacement, ensure to pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Oversized Unit
An improperly sized AC is a common reason behind short cycling problems. An oversized unit will cool your room and shut down in a short period, reducing the time of the full cooling cycle. Sadly, there is no way to repair this, and you’ll need to replace the whole unit with one of the correct sizes.
Go for Reliable Appliance Repair in Waco, TX
Are you frustrated with your short cycling AC unit? On Point Service Company understands it’s a serious problem that needs prompt attention, so we’re here to help. We’re a bonded and licensed air conditioner repair company in Waco, TX, and its surrounding areas. For many years, we have helped many homeowners with various AC issues, including AC not cooling, AC not blowing cold air, and more.
So, book an appointment with us today and let our air conditioner repair services bring back the comfort in your living space!
