Does your AC system turn on and off repeatedly? This unusual behavior causes the system to work harder than usual to maintain the desired temperature. As a result, components within the system will wear out faster than usual. It also increases electricity consumption and may slow your home's cooling. If you've noticed this problem, you might want to hire an AC repair technician to diagnose and fix the issue. Below are some common reasons for rapid cycling and why you need a repair service.
1. Leaks
Your AC depends on a special fluid (refrigerant) to transfer heat absorbed by the evaporator coil and release it outside via the condenser coil. The refrigerant repeats this process multiple times to keep your home cool. In the event of a leakage, the refrigerant levels will become significantly low. This negatively impacts your system and may cause rapid cycling. Your AC technician will diagnose the problem and identify the source of the leak. They might have to patch up the holes and cracks and top up the refrigerant to resolve the issue.
2. Clogged Filters
When you neglect air filters, they get dirty and clogged. This prevents the air conditioner from supplying clean, cool air to your home. If left unaddressed, the system can overheat and automatically turn off, which is an inbuilt safety measure. This often happens even before the system completes a full cycle.
You might need to contact a technician to inspect the unit, confirm the suspected issue, and clean the filters. They might recommend replacing the filter to avoid rapid cycling. You'll also need to keep up with maintenance to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
3. Poor Positioning of the Thermostat
Sometimes rapid cycling is caused minor problems, such as improper placement of the thermostat. For instance, you could place it directly under the sun or near heat-producing appliances causing it to misread the room's temperature. The AC will turn on and off prematurely as it struggles to keep up with the wrong room's temperature. Your technician will help you reset the thermostat and place it correctly.
4. Ice on Coils
Poor maintenance causes the build-up of dust and dirt on evaporator coils. The layer of dust on the coil inhibits it from absorbing heat from the air, slowly leading to a frozen coil. The ice on the coil prevents the unit from releasing heat outside, which reduces the system's cooling effect. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may lead to short cycling or sudden system breakdown. Therefore, you need to consult an AC technician who will help you uncover the problem correctly and provide a suitable solution.
If you've noticed rapid cycling in your AC, it might be time to contact your repair technician. Timely repairs are often affordable and prolong the lifespan of your system. Therefore, don't postpone repairs when you notice warning signs.