
The sound of the air conditioning system running is a basic background noise during a Texas summer. You probably don’t even think much about the whirring of the fans and the occasional thump as the compressor comes on to start the cooling cycle.
But it’s a wise idea to pay some attention to these noises because they can alert you to a problem. For example, if you notice that the AC is turning on and off more frequently than normal, it may be experiencing a problem called short-cycling. The compressor in the air conditioner is supposed to run on cycles that last at least 10 to 15 minutes, and often longer if the weather is hot enough. When the compressor shuts off after less than 10 minutes, only to turn back on again a short time later and repeat the cycle, there’s something wrong. Not only that, but short-cycling itself is bad for the AC since it raises cooling costs and puts extra strain on the compressor. If short-cycling isn’t stopped, it will shorten the lifespan of the air conditioner.
In most short-cycling situations, you’ll need to call for air conditioning repairs in New Braunfels, TX to fix the problem. Below are a few of the most common reasons for an AC to start to short-cycle.