How Do I Know If My AC Is Short Cycling?

A short-cycling air conditioning system is like a runner who never makes it to the finish line. 

The athlete sees the goal but stops to rest every couple of minutes, never gaining much ground or finishing the race.   

Same with your AC. You set the thermostat. Your AC kicks on when the temperature in your New Jersey home rises above the set point on your thermostat. However, it stops without cooling your home evenly just a few minutes later. It keeps trying, turning on, and shutting off but never quite reaches the finish line.   

The constant cycling causes wear and tear and reduces service life. It also does not cool your home the way you want it to. 

Let Broadley’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning quickly determine the cause of your air conditioner’s short cycling and recommend a repair. We have been the trusted family-owned heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company on the South Jersey Shore for more than a century. 

Our expert technicians will have your system working correctly in no time. We will even knock $25 off the cost of your first service call if you are a new customer. Check our specials page for this discount and other deals.  

Is It Short Cycling?

Short cycling is easy to recognize once you know what to look for. Key in on how many times your system turns on and off in a short period. A normal cycle typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. If your system stops and starts repeatedly during that time, it is short cycling. 

You may notice that some rooms feel cooler than others. An air conditioner that is short cycling does not adequately cool the air in your entire home. 

What Causes Short Cycling?

Short cycling can happen for a variety of reasons. Most of its underlying problems are fixable. However, the best solution is a replacement if your AC is short cycling because it is too big for your home. Our Broadley’s professionals can help you with correct sizing and installation. 

ENERGY STAR^® points out that air conditioners are less efficient at the start of a cooling cycle. Efficiency increases gradually and reaches its peak in about 10 minutes. However, oversized air conditioners run for shorter periods. In addition, bursts of cold air from oversized units can trick the thermostat into shutting off the system before the whole house is cool.

If your system is sized correctly for your Marmora home, a clogged air filter could be the culprit. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, which can cause the system to work harder and cycle more frequently or overheat and shut down. Replacing a dirty filter is an easy fix that spares AC components from dirt and dust. 

Other problems that can trigger short cycling include: 

• Frozen evaporator coils 
• Low refrigerant level
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Faulty compressor

An annual tune-up can address problems that, if neglected, will lead to short cycling. Let our pros inspect, clean, and tweak your cooling system. Schedule a maintenance visit and ask us about our service plans. 

Call HVAC Experts

Our experts at Broadley’s are ready to assist you with air conditioning maintenance, repair, or installation in your Marmora, NJ, home. Call us at 609-212-4814 or request service online.