Why Is My AC Short Cycling?

Is your AC system humming or sputtering its way through another hot day? Is it cooling your Sterling Heights home as it should, or is it struggling by stopping and starting every few minutes? 

If your air conditioner seems to run endlessly, working in frequent and brief spurts, it may be short cycling and require repairs. 

Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing can help you get the best performance out of your central air conditioner, no matter how it runs. If you have not scheduled maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system this year, it is time for a professional air conditioning tune-up.

Our Macomb County AC experts will inspect and clean your cooling system and catch any budding problems, ensuring it will continue working at peak efficiency through the summer.  

Contact us for a diagnosis and repair if you suspect your cooling unit is short cycling or exhibiting other unusual signs of malfunction. We are ready to assist you 24/7 in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and all the surrounding communities. 

What is Short Cycling?

Short cycling happens when your air conditioner frequently starts and stops, cycling on and off for brief periods. 

When your living space warms up beyond your desired temperature, the thermostat kicks in and signals your AC system to turn on. Under normal circumstances, a central air conditioner will operate for over 10 minutes, cycle off, and start another cooling cycle when the temperature increases again. 

A short cycling AC unit turns on for a few minutes and shuts off for a few minutes several times in an hour. 

Short Cycling Consequences

Starting and stopping frequently uses more energy than a normal cycle. An inefficient air conditioner leads to higher utility bills. 

Frequent stopping and starting also stress your AC system, especially its compressor, an essential component that can result in a costly repair or system replacement if it fails. Short cycling also reduces the unit’s lifespan. 

As the malfunctioning unit cuts its cooling cycle short, it also fails to remove humidity from your Clinton Township home, compromising indoor air quality (IAQ). 

AC Short Cycling Causes

• The air filter is clogged with dirt and dust and has reduced airflow, causing your AC system to overheat and short cycle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), running your air conditioner with a clogged filter risks can lower energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. You also risk damaging the evaporator coil.
• A refrigerant leak impairs your AC system’s cooling ability and can trigger short cycling. 
• An inaccurate thermostat may tell your AC system to start and stop frequently. 
• An incorrectly sized central air conditioner can lead to short cycling. 
• If your AC’s compressor is on its last legs, it may short cycle as it struggles to pressurize refrigerant.  

Repairing a Short Cycling AC Unit

If you diligently monitor your system’s air filter and replace it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you lessen the risk of short cycling. Scheduling an annual tune-up for your AC also averts issues that could lead to short cycling. 

Leave other issues, such as refrigerant leaks and compressor problems, to our skilled technicians at Great Dane Heating & Air Conditioning. We service all AC brands and models. 

If the short cycling results from an undersized or oversized system in your Sterling Heights home, we will work with you to install the best air conditioning system for your comfort and budget. We proudly offer Carrier products, including its Comfort^™ Series, Infinity^® System, and Performance^™ Series of air conditioners. 

Fix Your Short Cycling AC Today

Our Great Dane Heating, Cooling, Electrical, & Plumbing experts can quickly diagnose your faulty air conditioner and repair malfunctioning parts that cause short cycling. Let us restore the short cycling unit in your Sterling Heights, MI, home. Call us at 586-574-5698 or request service online.