Why You Have a "Start-Stop-Start-Stop" Air Conditioner

In the functioning of a regular AC, it is supposed to be turned on and working for a long stretch before it is turned off. It takes time for an AC to make your room completely cool, and keeping it on for a longer duration at a minimum temperature also helps bring down your electricity bills.

This is what should happen normally, but if you are noticing that your AC is stuck in a start-stop-start-stop loop, it is time to understand that there may be a problem you are neglecting.

What Is Short Cycling?

This problem has a name you may not be aware of: short cycling. When an AC cools the room over a sustained period and then turns off, the process is known as cycling, and this usually takes around 20–25 minutes. However, if you notice that this process is completing much faster — say, 10 minutes — it is a sign that the AC is short cycling.

Reasons for Short Cycling

Inappropriate Size of the Air Conditioner

If the air conditioner is too large for your home, the AC will cool the space much faster because the task is smaller relative to its capacity. This causes the AC to turn off very quickly. We can help with the correct size air conditioning installation Phoenix.

Clogged Air Filters

When your AC is dirty and clogged, the system needs to work much harder to cool the room, leading to short cycling. The stress on the compressor caused by reduced airflow can also lead to system breakdowns, resulting in costly repairs.

Dirty Coil

The coil’s job is to remove hot air. If your coil is dirty, the unit has to work harder, causing it to shut down frequently. This problem can be resolved only with regular maintenance.

Refrigerant Level

If the refrigerant level is low, the AC will have to work much harder to cool the room, putting significant pressure on various internal parts. It is best to keep the refrigerant level in check at all times to avoid short cycling.

After-Effects of Short Cycling

  • It causes the system to break down more often, resulting in extremely expensive repairs and even replacement in some cases.
  • Since the system needs to work much harder to run, the pressure causes mechanical wear and tear of internal parts, making your system less efficient.
  • Electricity bills will increase significantly.
  • The lifespan of your AC is likely to be reduced. A unit built to last 15–20 years may last less than half that time.

We are the leading air conditioning contractors Phoenix, so if you are noticing these signs, we can help you get it repaired quickly and bring down your costs. You can call us at (602) 266-5247">(602) 266-5247 or write to us at [email protected] to book our services.