Short cycling is one of the most common problems with your air-conditioning in Pittsburgh, PA. There are many potential causes of short cycling, all of which need to be addressed because of the potentially negative impact on your system. There are a lot of reasons short cycling could be bad for your system, so when you notice it happening, you need to get air-conditioning repair right away. Here's what you need to know about AC short cycling.
What Short Cycling Is
Short cycling basically means that the air conditioner is turning on and off more frequently than it should. While it may sound like running more cycles would keep the house cooler, the opposite is actually true. Short cycling may cause the unit to begin the cooling cycle more frequently, but the problem is that the cycle also shuts off too early. That means that the entire cooling cycle isn't being completed, which is bad not only for your comfort but for your AC system as well.
What Causes It
There are a few different potential causes of AC short cycling. One of the simplest problems could be that the air filter is completely clogged, so the airflow is being blocked. When there's not proper airflow, the AC overheats and shuts down before the entire cooling cycle has been completed. Another possibility is that the evaporator coils are frozen. This makes them unable to remove heat from your home, which causes your system to shut down. Low refrigerant levels may also cause the AC to overheat and shut down before the cycle is complete. If your AC wasn't sized properly to your home, you might experience short cycling because the unit is too big. When the unit is too large, it will cool the home too quickly, and the thermostat will signal the AC to shut off before the cycle is done. Other electrical problems can cause the AC to short cycle as well.
Why Short Cycling Is Dangerous
Short cycling is dangerous for your AC system because it places additional wear and tear on the system. The unit is turning on more often than it should, so every component has extra stress placed on it. That means that, in addition to needing repair services to solve the short cycling problems, you'll need additional repairs to address the problems caused by short cycling. The entire life expectancy of the AC will drop when short cycling continues over a long period of time. In addition, your electric bill will increase because the system is working inefficiently and wasting energy when turning on and off frequently.
Fixing the Problem
The most important thing to do when you notice your AC short cycling is to get professional AC service in Pittsburgh, PA, as soon as you notice a problem, especially if changing the filter doesn't solve the problem. The AC technicians will be able to diagnose the problem quickly and make any necessary repairs. You may be able to avoid problems that cause short cycling by getting regular maintenance. Your AC should be inspected every spring to make sure all the components are in good working order and that the refrigerant level is appropriate. This preventive maintenance can help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road and increase the life expectancy of your AC as well. To schedule your inspection or repair service, contact Stahl Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today.