Few problems are more frustrating than an air conditioner that won’t stay on long enough to cool your home. Several underlying issues can cause your AC unit to short-cycle, and homeowners need to understand what the possible problem could be so they can prepare accordingly.

Our team has years of experience resolving all sorts of air conditioning malfunctions, including AC units that refuse to remain operational. Allow us to help you understand what the problem might be by reading the blog below!

What is System Short-Cycling?

When an air conditioner functions properly, it should run between 10 and 15 minutes to cool down the home quickly and efficiently, then shut off before repeating the cycle. If your AC only stays operational for a few minutes before shutting down, this is known as system short-cycling. Short-cycling is a fairly common issue that HVAC technicians run into, and the problem has several different possible causes.

Allowing your unit to continue short-cycling without scheduling necessary repairs can cause your air conditioner to experience poor efficiency, performance, and reduced life span. For this reason, homeowners must identify the issue early and make the appropriate AC repairs.

What Causes Air Conditioners to Short-Cycle?

Many underlying issues can cause your air conditioner to short-cycle. The following are just some of the possible causes that can leave you with an underperforming AC:

  • Faulty thermostat: If your thermostat becomes damaged, it can cause your air conditioner to short-cycle. Even thermostats placed in a poor location can cause your AC to shut off prematurely — especially if the thermostat is located near a duct return, sunny location, or hot appliance.
  • Electrical issues: There could be an electrical problem with your control boards, sensors, relays, fuses, or start capacitors. Sometimes a simple power reset can help restore the system to working condition.
  • Filthy filters: Whether your air filter is clogged or there is debris in your ductwork, these can easily lead to system short-cycling when left untreated.
  • Dirty coils: Dirty or frozen evaporator or condenser coils can prevent the proper heat transfer, causing the system to overheat and shut down before it should. In the event of freezing, the system may shut down until it has had time to thaw.
  • Refrigerant levels: If there isn’t enough refrigerant in your system due to a leak or low charge, it can cause the safety switch to trip within your air conditioner, shutting it down before it’s had time to cool your home.
  • Unit size: An oversized air conditioner can cause frequent system short-cycling, leading to poorer indoor air quality and home comfort as a result.

While some short-cycling issues can be easily resolved by simply resetting the power in your home, changing your thermostat batteries, or switching out your air filters, others require the keen eye of a knowledgeable HVAC technician to repair. Preferred Home Services offers the emergency air conditioning repair services that Charleston, SC residents need to keep system short-cycling from ruining their home comfort.

Schedule AC Repair in Charleston, SC

When your air conditioner suffers from frequent system short-cycling, Preferred Home Services has the team of top-rated technicians you need to resolve the problem in no time. Offering emergency AC repair services throughout Charleston, it’s always a good time to schedule air conditioner repair with our team.

Discover how we can help restore lasting comfort to your home in no time by scheduling emergency air conditioning repair with our team today!