A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
A short-cycling air conditioner has short on and off cycles. The short cycling stresses the AC and can lead to frequent breakdowns, uneven cooling, and even energy inefficiency. Knowing why ACs sometimes short-cycle can help with the diagnosis. Below are some of the reasons for short cycling.
Overheating
Your AC will shut down if it overheats. The automatic safety features ensure that the AC doesn't break down due to overheating. Thus, the short cycling might mean that the AC is shutting down sooner than it should because it overheats a short time after starting up.
Here are some of the common triggers for AC overheating:
Anything that forces the AC to overwork can lead to overheating.
Thermostat Issues
The thermostat controls the AC by determining when the motor starts and stops. A problem with the thermostat can interfere with the on and off cycles of the AC by triggering wrong cooling times. For example, thermostat miscalibration might send cooling signals to the mainboard even before the temperature falls.
Oversized AC
An oversized AC will cool your home unusually fast. The unusual cooling will lead to short run cycles. Rapid cooling might look like an advantage, but it is not. The rapid cooling will cause short AC cycles that will lead to increased system stress, accelerated wear and tear, inadequate humidity control, and a shortened system lifespan.
Air Leaks
Your AC can also short cycle because your house is losing cool air to the outside environment. Air leaks can occur due to damages in the duct system, poor insulation, and gaps around doors and windows. In such a case, your house will cool faster than it should, which means the AC will start its cooling cycles soon after every off cycle.
Electrical Problems
The AC relies on electrical signals for most of its functions and controls. For example, the motor needs electricity to run, the thermostat needs to send temperature signals to the mainboard, and electrical relays (switches) turn the motors on and off.
All these electrical and electronic parts are subject to malfunctions due to issues like wear and tear, overheating, or short circuits. A malfunction can lead to short cycling if it interferes with the control of the off and on cycles of the AC.
Unless you are a technician, you need help to diagnose and fix the short cycling. Act fast before the underlying problem worsens. Contact a company like R & B Inc Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more.
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