Combat AC Short Cycling With Hanover Air Conditioner Repair
If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it, right? Well, this isn’t always the case with air conditioners. Sometimes, your AC may exhibit some unusual behavior, which can lead to serious issues if you don’t address it right away. If your cooling system is running irregularly, you’ll need to get it checked out, even if it isn’t affecting the temperature of your home.
At Mission Air, it’s our job to solve HVAC dilemmas in Hanover, Virginia. If your unit shuts off randomly or short cycles, you’ve got a problem on your hands. For answers and solutions, read ahead to learn why your system is experiencing this problem.
What Is AC Short Cycling?
If your AC is running irregularly, there’s a good chance it’s short cycling. When your unit short cycles, it typically turns on and off every few minutes. To put this into perspective, a normal cooling system goes through cycles that last around 15–20 minutes, depending on the outdoor and indoor temperature.
Causes For A Short Cycling Air Conditioner
Irregular air conditioner cycles wear out the unit and can shorten its lifespan significantly. It’s crucial to find the root problem as soon as possible. Typically, short cycling is caused by one of the following problems:
- Dirty air filter
- Oversized AC unit
- Faulty thermostat
- Low refrigerant levels
- Faulty compressor
- Dirty evaporator coils
Some of these problems can cause serious damage if they aren’t addressed quickly. For example, low refrigerant levels can cause the unit to overheat and ruin the motor. Similarly, a dirty air filter can prevent air from flowing freely throughout the unit, which can also cause overheating.
Reasons Why Your AC Shuts Off Randomly
If you’ve noticed your air conditioner spontaneously shutting off, it’s important to fix whatever is causing the issue. In most cases, your unit will randomly turn off to prevent overheating. Your system may shut off because of a tripped circuit breaker, which is usually caused by faulty electrical connections and wiring.
When your air conditioner is too small, it has to work extra hard to cool down your home, which quickly leads to overheating. Similarly, damaged ductwork and clogged air filters require your unit to work overtime to effectively cool each room.
If your cooling system shuts down without reason, it’s important to contact our HVAC technicians to find the source of the problem and prevent further damage.
What Happens If AC Runs Too Long?
When your air conditioner runs for long timeframes to cool your home, it can damage its internal parts. The machinery will experience wear and tear, which can shorten its lifespan and reduce its effectiveness. It’s crucial to ensure the unit operates on regular cycles to get the most from your cooling system.
Preventing Air Conditioner Damage
If you want to protect your unit from issues and damage, you’ll need to schedule annual air conditioning maintenance. In a seasonal tune-up, an HVAC technician will assess the condition of your unit, replace the air filter, clean interior components and suggest further repairs. Our reliable technicians can also locate issues and conduct repairs to boost the unit’s efficiency.
Schedule Hanover AC Repairs Today!
If you live in the Hanover area and your cooling system isn’t running properly, Mission Air can help. We’re on a mission to help our community live more comfortable lives in every season. Contact us today to schedule your next air conditioning repair service!
