If you have noticed that your air conditioner has been turning on and off as frequently as every 10 minutes, your system is most likely in need of an AC repair due to “short-cycling.” Short-cycling is when a system turns on and off abruptly and often. This could be due to many things, like an improperly sized unit, poor thermostat placement, a clogged or dirty air filter, frozen evaporator coils, or wiring and electrical problems.
Contact a technician at Schebler Heating & Air as soon as possible to avoid further damage, because you definitely don’t want your air conditioning unit to quit on you during the hot summer days.
What is Causing Your AC to Short-Cycle?
HVAC systems work hard to keep us comfortable. Many things can go wrong with your air conditioning unit over time, though, causing it to frequently shut on and off. These can include:
Frozen Evaporator Coils
An air conditioner’s evaporator coils are responsible for cooling down the air that passes over the coils. Your evaporator coils can occasionally freeze due to poor airflow from clogged filters, a dirty evaporator coil, or a clogged drain pipe. When this happens, the system will likely rapidly start and stop, leading to inadequate cooling and higher energy bills. A professional should be called to inspect the issue and determine the proper solution, returning cool air to your home at a lower cost.
Electrical or Wiring Problems
Electrical and wiring problems that are causing your AC unit to short cycle could include loose or corroded electrical connections. This can lead to temporary power loss from your air conditioner if not repaired. Make sure to contact a technician to repair your system if you notice this problem.
Improperly Sized Unit
Short-cycling can occur due to an air conditioner or heat pump that is too large for your home. An oversized system is likely to overshoot the target temperature, cycle off, and then cycle back on when your home gets back to the target temperature. Unfortunately, in this case, the only solution is to replace your system with a properly sized one.
If your air conditioning system is abruptly turning off and on for seemingly no reason, make sure to check for one of these causes and do whatever is necessary to salvage your air conditioner or heat pump.
Can a Short-Cycling AC Be Repaired?
Short-cycling is a frustrating problem, and it can be made worse when you’re not sure what’s next for your AC system. Thankfully, a short-cycling air conditioner can often be repaired, but it all depends on what type of problem is causing the system to short-cycle.
Wiring problems or loose electrical connections, for example, can typically be repaired and won’t require a complete system replacement. Your HVAC technician should be able to identify and fix these problems by tightening connections or replacing faulty wires.
Bigger problems, like a system that’s too small or large for the home, though, will require an air conditioner replacement to address the root cause of the problem. When your air conditioner is short-cycling, calling on certified technicians to inspect your system is the best way to determine what your system needs to regain its cooling ability. For AC services in Bettendorf, IA, and the surrounding Quad Cities area, give Schebler Heating and Air a call today!
Acting Fast Can Prevent Bigger Air Conditioner Problems
When problems develop with your air conditioning system, time is of the essence. Problems will only grow to become more serious and expensive over time, but by acting quickly, you’re able to limit the damage and provide a lasting AC repair that keeps your home cool on even the hottest summer days.
Benefits of Prompt AC Services for Your Short-Cycling Air Conditioner
Prompt AC repairs can also help preserve the overall efficiency of your system, preventing spikes in energy bills caused by overworked components. Catching issues early reduces the risk of breakdowns during peak usage, when service calls can take longer and costs may rise. Even small warning signs—like unusual noises or short-cycling—can point to larger issues just beginning to surface. Addressing them now means less stress, fewer disruptions, and a longer lifespan for your AC.
How to Prevent Future AC Short Cycling
After you’ve had your air conditioner repaired, your mind might shift to how you can prevent future repairs down the road. The best way to do this is through regular AC maintenance and inspections. When performed on a regular annual basis, AC maintenance and inspections help catch minor problems that could grow to become more serious and expensive AC repairs. Here’s a look at what’s involved in both:
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Routine AC maintenance is one of the best ways to prevent short-cycling and other common issues. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean essential components like the coils and filters, check refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, and lubricate moving parts. These small tasks go a long way in keeping your system running smoothly and efficiently. Regular maintenance also gives your AC a better chance of reaching its full lifespan, reducing the likelihood of early system failure. With scheduled service tune ups, you can rest assured that your AC will be able to keep your home cool when you need it most.
Air Conditioning Inspections
Inspections are a critical part of staying ahead of AC problems like short-cycling. An inspection focuses on evaluating the overall condition of your air conditioner, including checking for worn parts, testing system controls, and verifying thermostat accuracy. It’s an opportunity for a professional to spot early warning signs that might not yet be causing noticeable symptoms. These proactive checks can prevent small issues from snowballing into costly repairs or system outages.
Let Schebler Heating and Air Provide You With the Air Conditioning Services Your Home Needs
AC problems can be stressful, so let us help! Schebler Heating and Air proudly serves homeowners in Bettendorf and the surrounding Quad Cities area. With excellent service, quality workmanship, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our team is ready to help.
Contact Schebler For Bettendorf AC Repair Services
Contact the team at Schebler today to schedule AC repair services if your system is short-cycling. We know that the safety and comfort of your family is your top priority, so if your system is short-cycling or if you notice anything that could cause it to short-cycle, we’d love to help you find a reliable solution.
With top-notch service from our experienced team of Bettendorf heating and air conditioning specialists, Schebler is proud to provide reliable repair services to residents of the Quad Cities and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to get started.