This is a great question! Short cycling is something we talk about often on this blog, and it’s also something that we constantly ward against. It’s a problem, but when pressed on why it’s a problem, many people don’t have the answer. That’s okay!
We’re not expecting anyone to be an HVAC expert, especially with how much training is required to actually get licensed and be a pro. If you’ve been told why short cycling is bad before but you just forgot, then this blog post is perfect for you. We’re going to talk about why short cycling is so bad for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner, and why it might end up requiring an early replacement if you’re not careful. Short cycling can negatively affect various AC systems and air conditioners, leading to decreased cooling performance and higher energy bills.
We’re going to talk about why short cycling is so bad for the efficiency and longevity of your air conditioner, and why it might end up requiring an early replacement if you’re not careful. In addition, short cycling can reduce cooling efficiency and often leads to the need for professional air conditioning service to restore proper function.
Just make sure you contact our team for AC repair in Camden County, Cherry Hill, Tavistock, and Voorhees when you need help! If you’re located nearby, our technicians also serve areas like Folsom with fast, reliable AC repair services. Be sure to notice the signs of short cycling early to prevent further damage to your system.
Short Cycling: A Recap
So, what is short cycling? Regardless of whether you’re refreshing your memory or learning for the first time, we’ve got your back.
Short cycling is when an air conditioner turns on for a brief, short period of time to run before abruptly shutting off and starting over again in frequent bursts. While a normal AC cycle might be 12 or 15 minutes, a short cycling air conditioner might only run for 5–8 minutes, essentially in half the time that a normal system would run. This is bad for a number of reasons that we’ll get into, but it’s easy to recognize. Short cycling can occur in all models of air conditioners, regardless of brand or type.
Try timing your air conditioner’s cycles to see how long it runs for. Also, try and check how long the system stays shut down before turning back on again. If either of these times seem extremely short, then you’ve got a short cycling cooling system on your hands.
Why Short Cycling Is Never Good
There are two main reasons why short cycling can be a huge problem for an air conditioner.
- A short cycling air conditioner is going to wear down certain components of the system. The starting up and shutting down of an AC stress certain parts, which means half of your AC is going to need an early replacement, while the other half will be in good condition. This can be bad for the system’s longevity and mean increased repair costs. The increased wear and tear can also raise the overall cost of repairs and may even lead to the need for a full system replacement sooner than expected.
- The starting up and shutting down of an air conditioner is the most energy-intensive part of the process, which means your AC will run up your energy bill if it short cycles. Addressing short cycling early provides benefits such as improved energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and longer system lifespan.
Choosing professional AC repair makes a real difference by preventing these issues, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably.
3 Common Causes of Short Cycling
So, how do you know if your air conditioner is short cycling? Accurately diagnosing short cycling requires the expertise and knowledge of trained professionals. Here are three examples that could be causing the problem. A frozen outdoor unit is also a sign that you need to call for AC repair.
- An AC that’s too large. If your air conditioner is too large for your space, it’s going to cool things down too quickly and be unable to complete a full cycle. This can lead to short cycling.
- A refrigerant leak. Low refrigerant levels mean that the system will run in short cycles to compensate, thus causing the problems we mentioned above.
- An electrical problem. Sometimes the thermostat can signal for the air conditioner to turn on and shut off abruptly, even if the system itself doesn’t want to. This could be the result of an electrical component failure and requires and should be addressed by a technician experienced in resolving AC issues in Evesham homes.
Professional technicians can assist homeowners by using their expertise and knowledge to perform the job correctly and provide services to resolve short cycling issues. Emergency air conditioning repair services are also available to restore comfort quickly when an AC system fails.
The Importance of Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running at peak performance, especially during the hot days we experience in South Jersey. By scheduling annual maintenance services with expert HVAC technicians, homeowners can ensure their air conditioner is operating efficiently, delivering cool air and comfort to every room in the home. Maintenance services are designed to catch potential AC problems early—like compressor failure or airflow issues—before they turn into costly repairs or unexpected replacements. Regular air conditioning repairs can also prevent larger, more expensive problems in the future.
A well-maintained AC unit not only keeps your home at a comfortable temperature, but also helps reduce energy consumption, lowering your monthly bills and extending the life of your system. Skilled technicians will thoroughly inspect your air conditioning system, clean essential components, and make any necessary adjustments to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently. This proactive approach means you can enjoy peace of mind, knowing your family will stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
In NJ, where reliable air conditioning is a necessity, investing in regular maintenance services is one of the smartest decisions a homeowner can make. Not only does it help maintain optimal airflow and indoor air quality, but it also reduces the risk of health issues related to poor air circulation. Plus, working with a dedicated, local HVAC company ensures you receive courteous, professional service from technicians who truly care about your comfort. Homeowners may be able to save up to $3,200 on home comfort equipment that meets energy efficiency requirements.
Don’t wait for AC problems to disrupt your home—contact a trusted HVAC company today to schedule your maintenance appointment. With the right team on your side, you can count on your air conditioning system to perform efficiently, keep your home cool, and provide lasting comfort for your family.
Contact Ambient Comfort to have your short cycling AC fixed. We’re also offering $50 off repairs for anyone who needs them!