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.
The air filter is clogged
This is one of the easiest problems to fix as well as to avoid. The filter on the HVAC cabinet gradually becomes clogged with the dust and lint it catches, and this will place extra strain on the blower fan. When the AC overheats, it will shut off early. Put in a new filter to see if this solves the problem.
Low refrigerant charge
The refrigerant in an air conditioner is supposed to remain at a set amount, which is known as the AC’s charge. If leaks develop along the refrigerant lines, the charge will drop. This creates a whole slew of problems for the AC, including short-cycling. Unless professionals seal the leaks and recharge the refrigerant, eventually the compressor will burn out.
Malfunctioning thermostat
The thermostat is the switch that signals to the compressor to turn on and off. If the thermostat malfunctions, such as sensing the wrong temperatures, it will cut off the AC’s cooling cycle early. Please don’t try to “fix” this by lowering the thermostat’s setting as low as possible! It takes expert technicians to remedy the problem.
The AC is oversized
Is this a new air conditioning system? If so, then the problem may be that whoever installed it took a few shortcuts and guessed about how powerful a system to install. If an air conditioner has too much cooling capacity for the house (it’s “oversized”), it will lower the indoor temperature so rapidly that the thermostat will mistakenly register that the cooling cycle is finished and shut down the compressor. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the AC with a correctly sized one. You can trust our technicians to have a new air conditioner in place that’s right for your house.
At Thayer Air Conditioning, your comfort is our #1 priority! Call for service in the Greater New Braunfels Area.
