HVAC Short Cycling: Diagnosis and Troubleshooting

HVAC short cycling is a common problem that has many causes. Do you notice your HVAC system turning on and off every few minutes? If it fails to reach the set temperature before shutting off, your unit is short cycling.

During Wisconsin's harsh winters and equally brutal summers, HVAC short cycling can be a big concern. Professional Services' top-rated HVAC services in West Bend effectively resolve the cause of your HVAC system’s short cycling. In the meantime, our experts offer crucial information on diagnosing and troubleshooting short cycling and its causes.

Understanding HVAC Short Cycling

Your HVAC system short cycles when an internal problem stops its operation prematurely. A complete cycle begins when the system turns on and ends when your space reaches the set temperature. Your unit will run when short cycling but will take longer to achieve the correct temperature or never reach it.

A short cycling system must work harder to reach the set temperature, but gets interrupted. Because it can take much longer to cool your space with a short cycling HVAC system, you’ll suffer from higher energy bills.

The continuous powering on and off negatively affects your heating or AC unit’s moving parts. Your system may need repairs prematurely. In extreme cases, your unit could fail altogether, warranting a replacement.

It’s crucial to get assistance immediately if you notice your system short cycling. An HVAC professional such as those at Professional Services can diagnose and resolve the problem.

Reasons Your HVAC System is Short Cycling

HVAC short cycling has many different causes ranging from minor to severe. Dirty air filters, loose electrical connections, and frozen evaporator coils are among the most common things that lead to short cycles. You may be able to resolve sources of short cycling yourself, while other causes will require a professional repair.

1. Dirty Air Filter

Your HVAC system won’t get enough airflow with a dirty or clogged air filter. Improper airflow makes heat grow in the system, leading to overheating issues. An overheated system will shut down before the end of the cycle to prevent further problems.

2. Improperly Sized Unit

If your HVAC system is not the right size for your home’s cooling needs, it will short cycle. A unit that is too small will continuously cycle to maintain your indoor air demands.

A system that’s too large will cool and heat your home too quickly, turning off before reaching the ideal temperature to avoid overcooling or overheating your space.

3. Refrigerant Leaks

Your cooling system features a closed loop of refrigerant that cools hot air and releases it outside. When a refrigerant leak occurs, the loop no longer has enough pressure or refrigerant to cool hot air effectively.

Your system must work harder to cool hot air with less refrigerant than usual. As hot air collects inside the unit and refrigerant decreases, it will short cycle.

4. Electrical Issues

As your unit develops wear and tear, wiring and other electrical components can become faulty or loose. Improper connections can prevent the heating or cooling cycle from finishing.

Your thermostat may be the cause of HVAC short cycling. Forgetting to switch the thermostat to the correct mode or temperature is a leading cause of many HVAC issues. In other cases, your system may need a thermostat calibration.

5. Frozen Evaporator Coils

A lack of maintenance causes dust and dirt to collect on the evaporator coil and the air filter. As your unit tries to cool your home, the layer of dust makes it difficult for the evaporator coil to absorb heat from the air. Instead of cooling air, condensation freezes on the coil.

When this occurs, your unit can no longer cool the air. Depending on the severity, it may short cycle or stop working altogether.

Troubleshooting Common Causes of Short Cycling

Luckily, a few causes of short cycling are easy to fix yourself. An incorrectly sized unit, refrigerant leaks, and other issues demand a professional repair. If your short cycling issues are due to air filter problems or a frozen evaporator coil, you can address the problem before calling the professionals.

Replace the Air Filter

If a clogged air filter is the culprit of HVAC short cycling, turn off your HVAC system and remove the air filter. Replace disposable air filters with new ones. If you have a reusable air filter, wash and dry it thoroughly before reinstalling.

Change your air filter regularly or schedule routine maintenance to prevent severe dust and debris buildups.

Defrost Coils

Turn off your system and inspect the evaporator coils inside the unit. If you notice ice, let it defrost. Water will collect in the drain pan and drain outside. Leave coil cleaning up to the professionals.

Contact the Professionals

If you attempt these fixes and your unit still short cycles, this is a sign of a more serious issue. Contact your local HVAC company, like the team at Professional Services. HVAC technicians have the tools and expertise you need.

You should always request professional service for repairs you can’t make yourself. If you suspect your HVAC short cycling is from an oversized system, HVAC technicians can replace your system with an appropriately sized unit. If you see what looks like water dripping from your HVAC system, they can identify and repair a refrigerant leak repair.

Air Conditioner and Furnace Repair

Professional Services is here if you're tired of dealing with a short cycling HVAC system. At Professional Services, we diagnose your HVAC problems and correct them quickly and accurately. You'll save money on inefficient HVAC operation and extend system longevity with our services.

As the area’s leader in HVAC system repairs, we make getting necessary services accessible and affordable. We offer discounts and financing on select services and provide 24-hour emergency service. You’ll also get knowledgeable, friendly customer service and detailed handiwork.

Consider our  expert furnace repair services if you’re experiencing HVAC short cycling. Contact Professional Services in Port Washington, WI, today by calling 262-218-2636.