Does your aircon turn itself on and off repeatedly during operation? If the answer is yes, you are experiencing a common AC problem that many homeowners face – short cycling. Short cycling happens when the aircon’s cooling cycle terminates prematurely before turning back on again after a short period (around 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the aircon’s condition).
Not only can this issue be frustrating for you. It can also affect the service life of your AC unit, causing you to spend more money on repairs if the problem is not resolved immediately. So, avoid ignoring this issue, as it would lead to more significant problems down the road. Let us share the possible causes of short cycling and what you can do to remedy the situation.
Why is my aircon short cycling?
There are various possible explanations for why your aircon is short cycling. Let us explore the six likely reasons for this malfunction.
Reason #1: Problem with the thermostat
The thermostat may seem like a small part of your AC system. However, it is essential to its operation as it controls the temperature. When the device fails to detect the temperature correctly, it will relay the wrong information to the aircon, causing the unit to short cycle. So, ensure your thermostat is functioning correctly. If the screen is blank, it means the battery power is running low, which can make your AC unit turn on and off continuously.
Additionally, avoid placing the thermostat in a location that is warmer or colder than the rest of the room. For example, close to a window under direct sunlight or close to the supply air vents. Doing so can cause inaccurate temperature readings, resulting in the aircon short cycling to compensate for the imbalance in the thermostat reading.
Reason #2: Refrigerant leak
Refrigerants are responsible for circulating airflow to and from your room. When the refrigerant runs low, the compressor starts malfunctioning due to the low pressure, causing the aircon to turn off. Subsequently, the pressure rises again when the AC unit is off, powering the compressor back up. Hence, the cycle continues.
However, refrigerant does not evaporate or run out easily. As such, a low refrigerant level usually signifies the presence of a leak. Therefore, we recommend scheduling aircon servicing so that a technician can inspect your AC unit for any signs of a crack or hole.
Learn More: 5 Signs That Indicate Your Aircon Has Low Refrigerant Levels
Reason #3: Restricted airflow
When airflow becomes restricted, your aircon cannot function as intended, thus causing short cycling. Possible explanations for restricted airflow include clogged drain pipes, dirty air filters, frozen compressor coils, and more. Regular aircon maintenance can help detect and eliminate these issues, allowing warm and cold air to circulate properly in your room.
Reason #4: Electrical issues and capacitor failure
Sometimes, the problem may lie with the electrical wiring rather than the AC unit, especially if the aircon is brand-new or has recently undergone maintenance. There could be a misconnection in the wiring of the aircon and the thermostat or a faulty internal circuit board. Alternatively, the capacitor may have overloaded. We recommend hiring a professional electrician if you suspect your aircon issue stems from a defective electrical system.
Reason #5: Compressor failure
As we shared, low refrigerant levels can cause the compressor to fail, leading to short cycling. However, the issue may also stem from the AC compressor itself. For example, it may be overheating or breaking down from regular wear and tear. Defective compressors can cause more problems for your AC unit. Therefore, we recommend contacting an aircon servicing company to inspect the compressor and replace the component if it becomes faulty.
Reason #6: Installing an oversized aircon
It may seem like a no-brainer to purchase an AC unit with a higher capacity. After all, the higher the capacity, the faster your room cools down. While this is true, it also means your aircon cannot complete its cooling cycle appropriately since it turns off once the room reaches your desired temperature quickly. Subsequently, it will turn back on again shortly as the temperature rises. You can consult a technician to assess the correct capacity your room requires to ensure the aircon matches your room size.
Turn to the aircon experts at Jetstyle Aircon!
Contact Jetstyle Aircon immediately if you notice your aircon is short cycling. Ignoring the problem will only cause it to magnify, leading to more complications down the line. Worse, you might have to replace your AC unit entirely. Our professional technicians have years of experience working with various aircon brands. As such, you can rest easy knowing that we have the required expertise to help you resolve your outstanding aircon issues promptly.
