During a scorching Las Vegas summer, the reliability of your air conditioning unit is critical. However, if you notice frequent cycling of your AC, it can signal a problem. Let’s explore some concerns and causes of air conditioning units that frequently cycle. We’ll also explore other common HVAC issues you should look out for.
Concerns of Frequent Cycling
Cycling is when your AC turns on and off during operation. However, frequent cycling, also known as short cycling, is when your air conditioner is cycling more than it should. When this occurs, it can indicate issues due to various causes. Some of the problems a homeowner with a frequently cycling AC unit may need to worry about are:
Inconsistent Indoor Comfort
One problem with frequent cycling is that it can directly affect an air conditioner’s ability to provide a consistent temperature in your home. Cool air may have trouble being evenly distributed throughout your interior space. Your AC may shut off before your home has sufficiently cooled to your preferences. Shutting off early can lead to warm spots in certain parts of the home.
Energy Inefficiency and Higher Bills
For an air conditioning unit to optimize efficiency, it needs to run for longer cycles. Frequent cycling can increase the energy consumption of your air conditioner. This increased energy usage will result in higher than normal electric bills. During the hottest months of the summer, poor energy inefficiency can be most noticeable, causing a drastic increase in utility costs.
Increased Wear and Tear
When your air conditioner is having frequent cycling issues, it can increase the workload of your system. An increased workload puts additional stress on critical air conditioner components. Over time, this stress causes wear and tear and can lead to expensive repair costs if frequent cycling is ignored.
Frequent Cycling Possible Causes
Frequent cycling can cause several headaches for people who simply want to enjoy the comfort of their homes. For this reason, the underlying cause of the frequent cycling must be fixed before problems get worse. Here are some common causes of frequent cycling:
Wrong-Sized AC Unit
An oversized air conditioning for the home may cool a home too fast, causing frequent cycling issues. Additionally, a home with an undersized air conditioning unit may struggle to reach your temperature preference, also causing short cycling problems. The AC cooling your home should be the proper size to ensure optimal performance.
Thermostat Malfunction
Frequent cycling can also be due to a thermostat that is malfunctioning. This can be because the thermostat isn’t correctly calibrated. It can also be due to improper placement of a thermostat that detects incorrect temperature fluctuations, like being exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, the thermostat may simply be broken and need replacement.
Refrigerant Leak
Short cycling of an air conditioner can happen if the refrigerant levels are low. Lower refrigerant levels likely indicate a refrigerant leak that needs to be repaired. After the leak is repaired, more refrigerant needs to be added to bring it up to normal levels.
Clogged Air Filters
If your air filters are extremely dirty or clogged, this restricts airflow through your system. When airflow is restricted, it can cause several issues, including frequent cycling, due to system overheating. Depending on the type of air conditioner you have, air filters need to be replaced or cleaned regularly. New air filters need to be the proper size for your system.
Blocked Condenser Coils
Condenser coils can get dirty or blocked over time. If this happens, it can prevent heat from properly being released. This kind of issue can also cause your system to overheat, leading to more frequent cycling.
Electrical Issues
Several electrical issues can be causing frequent cycling problems with your air conditioning unit. This can be due to faulty AC wiring, capacitors that are malfunctioning, and more. These electrical issues need to be fixed by a professional because they can interfere with the regular operation of your air conditioner and can also be a fire hazard.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils can become frozen. These frozen coils can increase on-and-off cycling. Coils can become frozen due to dirty coils, low refrigerant levels, or poor airflow.
The underlying cause of the frozen evaporator coils needs to be remedied to keep them from freezing in the future. Having this underlying issue fixed should also fix the frequent cycling issue.
Other Common HVAC Issues
Frequent AC cycling can be a concern for many homeowners. However, other common HVAC issues can also affect comfort, energy efficiency, and system lifespan. Here are some additional problems to watch for:
Air Duct Obstruction
Just like air filters, air ducts can accumulate dust and other pollutants over time. This can cause an obstruction that hinders airflow. Airflow restriction can lead to insufficient home cooling, increased energy bills, and damage to your AC.
Air Duct Leak
Air ducts are prone to leaks. If a leak occurs, cool air will escape and warm air will enter, severely decreasing AC efficiency. If you suspect a leak, a technician can inspect your ducts and seal any leaks to fix the problem.
Aging System
If your system is past its prime and needs frequent repairs, it may be time for an upgrade. While replacing an old AC can be a serious investment, the cheaper energy costs and lack of necessary repair work can make it a cost-effective decision.
Insufficient Home Insulation
For the optimal performance of your HVAC system, you need to ensure that your home is sufficiently insulated. Thorough insulation of the walls and attic is critical. Additionally, your ductwork should also be insulated to help increase efficiency. With proper insulation of your home and ductwork, you are effectively keeping warm air out and cool air in. This means that your system needs to do much less work to keep your interior spaces consistently cool.
Poor Home Circulation
Poor home circulation can unnecessarily increase the workload of your system. To ensure proper circulation, make sure doors are open between rooms that need to be cooled. Additionally, ensure that furniture or other fixtures aren’t blocking airflow coming from any vents. To further help circulation, consider strategically using ceiling fans or portable fans to help move the cooled air through the home.
Importance of Professional HVAC Services
Many of the underlying causes of frequent cycling can be avoided if your air conditioning system receives regular maintenance. While certain tasks, like changing air filters, can be performed by homeowners, professional HVAC technicians should regularly maintain your system for the best results. Additionally, always contact a professional if you have an issue that needs to be repaired. Attempting DIY repairs can be unsafe and cause further damage to your system.
Do you live in Las Vegas, NV, and need HVAC services? Bumble Breeze is happy to help you out. We offer new installation, upgrades, maintenance, and repairs for both heating and cooling systems. Our HVAC services are available to both residential and commercial customers. In addition to our comprehensive HVAC services, we can also help with any plumbing needs you have. Financing is available for qualified applicants. If you need help with your air conditioner repair or want information about any of our other services, please contact Bumble Breeze today!
