"my ac compressor cycles on and off every 5 seconds"
AC Short Cycling is a common problem when it comes to air conditioning systems and it should be addressed right away.
Parts of the U.S. are currently experiencing unprecedented heat across large regions and Air conditioning systems are running full blast. Right about now, you’re just happy and grateful to step into the cool air which means you may not even notice it’s one or two degrees warmer than the temperature set on the thermostat. Since you may be so used to hearing the system run periodically, you don’t notice when it runs more often and in shorter cycles than usual.
It’s when the air conditioner runs constantly and in short cycles that you should become aware of a problem with your ac unit. Short-cycling is a symptom of a problem with the air conditioning system, but it’s also a problem itself. Short-cycling is so common that it may seem insignificant, but when you notice it, it should be addressed right away. Otherwise, money and energy will be wasted all summer, not to mention the wear and tear on your ac system. Now is the time to address concerns with your HVAC unit
What is AC Short-Cycling?
Usually, the AC runs until the thermostat temperature is met. When the temperature in the home rises above the desired temperature, the thermostat activates the system and the system activates the compressor. The compressor then runs until the desired temperature is registered. You may hear it run throughout the day and night and periodically shut off until it’s triggered again by a temperature change in the house. This cycle is most commonly around 10 minutes. An efficient system will run about 3 cycles every hour: 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. So if your AC unit is running in shorter, more frequent bursts of time, then your AC may be short-cycling. It's not uncommon for customers to call us and say, "my ac compressor cycles on and off every 5 seconds". If you suspect your AC is short-cycling, an easy way to check is to time the cycles. Some air conditioner systems may run only a minute or two before they shut off. This is always a sign of a problem.
What Causes AC Unit To Short Cycle?
AC Short-cycling occurs when the a/c compressor shuts off prematurely. Since the desired temperature isn’t met before the compressor shuts off, the thermostat will activate the system all over again in just a few short minutes. The system activates the compressor again in an attempt to cool the air to the temperature set on the thermostat. The compressor shuts off prematurely again, always working harder than before and becoming less efficient each time. This cycle can continue many times in an hour, and hundreds of times in a 24-hour period when your compressor would usually only activate around three times in an hour. This causes great wear on the compressor and wasted energy you won’t notice until you see your electricity bill.
At this point the homeowner should go check the AC unit. First, as with many AC issues, check the air filter. If it’s clogged, this may be the problem and it has a simple solution. Change the filter. For your convenience, you can purchase air filters in bulk and keep them on hand to change them out regularly. Some technicians recommend certain air filters and brands for certain systems. Be sure you buy the correct air filter for your system. Change the filter every 90 days, or more often if you have pets in the home. A clean air filter helps the system to work at its best.
If the Air Filter Isn’t Clogged…Call Your AC Tech at Cooper's Plumbing & Air
If you’ve noticed your AC is short-cycling and the air filter is not the problem, it’s time to call your licensed HVAC technician because the only other causes must be addressed by a professional.
- Your AC is oversized or undersized.
- This issue may be common in older homes where HVAC systems are not installed until many years after the build. It may also be common when budgetary constraints cause a homeowner to buy an undersized system for the square footage.
- Your refrigerant is leaking.
- A leaky system will cause a low refrigerant charge which causes the compressor to shut off prematurely. This results in more cycles, more leaking, and more wasted electricity and wear on the system.
- Your ventilation is leaking.
- Due to faulty ductwork, the cool air may not be reaching your home at all. The compressor shuts off after the air is cooled, but the thermostat activates the system when the temperature is not met.
- Your thermostat is faulty.
- A miscalibrated thermostat will read incorrect temperatures which leads the system to be activated unnecessarily.
- Your low-pressure control switch is faulty.
- The low-pressure control switch shuts off the system when the refrigerant pressure reaches a certain point. The issue may be low pressure, but it can also be a problem with the switch itself, especially if the system is old.
Will an HVAC repair cost you money? For sure, but all home maintenance does. In the long run, it will save you money to have the AC checked out and repaired.
AC Short Cycling Costs Money
The problem with short cycling is the compressor activating and working inefficiently. The HVAC system uses the most energy when the compressor is running, so if the compressor is running and not running properly, every cycle costs you money.
Letting the compressor constantly run in these short cycles can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on an otherwise well-working machine. If the short-cycling is not addressed by a professional, the compressor may need to be replaced. Depending on the age and warranty of your system, it may make more sense to replace the entire HVAC system.
You can prevent these types of costly repairs or replacements by keeping your AC maintained. Do all you can as the homeowner, and keep a professional on standby.
Will Routine Maintenance Prevent Short Cycling?
Every large home appliance or system should be regularly maintained. There are things the homeowner can do to maintain everything in the home, and there are things a professional must do.
As the homeowner, you can help your system work properly by replacing the air filter regularly, keeping vents open and clear of debris, keeping debris away from the AC compressor, and building repairs and professional maintenance into your annual budget.
Regular maintenance can replace old parts, prolong the life of certain parts and the entire system, and build a relationship with your local professional for quick and easy service when an issue arises.
Can You Predict a Problem with Your AC?
Before summer begins, you may notice problems with your system before you notice short-cycling. If you periodically check your system for efficiency, you will notice a problem before it begins costing you money.
Are there rooms in your house that are warmer than others?
Is your thermostat in a centrally-located area of the house and far away from an intake vent?
Have you noticed unusual sounds or smells from the system?
Is your AC system old?
Is your electricity bill significantly higher than this time last year?
All of these factors can play a part in the life of your AC. If you periodically ask these questions, you will be more aware of your system and more quickly notice a problem like short-cycling or failure to cool.
When you notice short-cycling and your system is maintained well, you can prevent wasted energy and additional costs of wear-and-tear by calling your HVAC professional right away.
Get in Touch, call our experienced professionals for home, business, and emergency service for your heating and cooling systems. Our customer service is as reliable as our leading HVAC specialist in Tallahassee.
We have a satisfaction guarantee and pride ourselves on the quality of our service. If you want the best HVAC service provider to get the job done right the first time, call Cooper's Plumbing & Air today! (866) 464-7132