HVAC Short Cycling: 6 Causes from a Tech

The New York Times states that it’s okay to run the AC all day long to keep your comfortable temperature even, but that can’t happen if the HVAC is short-cycling. Why does that happen? What can you do to prevent it?

What Is HVAC Short Cycling and Why Does It Matter?

Short cycling occurs in your Chapel Hill HVAC system when the heating or cooling system turns on and off more often than normal. The operational cycle, in a word, shortens. This issue cuts back on the efficiency of the unit and raises your energy bills. It can also cause system damage and uneven temperatures.

Cause: An Oversized HVAC System

Your HVAC contractor in Chapel Hill can diagnose your short-circuiting issue, as there are many causes. But one possible issue is an oversized system. When the unit is too large for the space you have to heat or cool, the large capacity satisfies the thermostat’s settings fast and then shuts off. This can lead to higher humidity in the home and overall discomfort.

Cause: A Dirty or Restricted Air Filter

When filters are dirty or aren’t receiving the right levels of air, the heating system in Chapel Hill will likely short-cycle. The safety mechanisms will trigger and shut the system down quickly to prevent the unit from trapping too much heat or freezing up.

Cause: Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat is your HVAC system’s command center. If that device misreads the temperature in the home, it might send erratic signals through the system and cause HVAC short cycling. Your unit received a lot of wear and tear and wastes too much energy. The repair could be as simple as a new battery or recalibration.

Cause: Refrigerant Issues

The HVAC system may be turning on and off as a safety warning to you. If the refrigerant is leaking, for example, internal safety measures cause the pressure to become erratic and set off a chain reaction. Chapel Hill technicians can check your unit for leaks and repair any they find.

Cause: Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coils

If the HVAC coils are either dirty or frozen, they are essentially blocked from doing their job. They can’t transfer warm or cold air to your home because they are being passed over. The short cycling occurs to attempt to regulate the air temperature in your home, however ineffectively.

Cause: Electrical and Control Board Failures

HVAC systems are the largest mechanical devices in your Chapel Hill home. When the control board or electrical pieces are faulty, they drop signals, send power erratically, and malfunction in other ways that can cause the air to turn on and off. This issue causes severe wear and tear on the unit and could even damage the HVAC motor.

How HVAC Technicians Diagnose Short Cycling Problems

HVAC professionals take air conditioner short cycling issues seriously and will run several diagnostic tests. Here are a few things they check during the visit:

• Airflow

Low airflow could be a problem in a filter or duct.

• Filters

Dirty filters often clog coils and other unit parts.

• Refrigerants

Low pressure showcases a leak, which leads to inefficiency.

• Electrical Components

Loose wires, failing capacitors, and faulty components cause many problems.

• Safety Switches

Limit switches lead to premature shutdowns when something inside the unit overheats.

• Thermostat

The HVAC command center is often in the midst of short cycling issues.

• Sizing/Loads

Units that are too large or too small for the home’s size cause this problem, too.

By running checks on all of these items, they can rule out certain culprits and pinpoint the areas causing the issue.

Can You Fix HVAC Short Cycling Yourself?

If your Chapel Hill HVAC is having an issue with short-cycling because the thermostat needs a new battery, then you can absolutely change that out yourself. If the air filter is dirty, that’s an easy switch as well. Other issues, like refrigerants or electrical problems, should only be handled by trained professionals.

In conclusion

Air conditioner short cycling takes place for a variety of reasons, and it’s hard for an average homeowner to know the ins and outs of their HVAC well enough to diagnose the problem. Even if the issue is simple, the future of the HVAC industry, according to Forbes, is environmental friendliness, and you want your HVAC running as efficiently as possible. When you notice the air turning on and off more often than normal, contact Comfort Monster for tips or even a quick service call to check the issue. You need your HVAC to work well, and fixing small things fast prevents larger issues later.