When your air conditioner starts acting up in the middle of Florida’s heat, you don’t have time to wait. That’s where we come in. At Kyzar Air Conditioning, we deliver fast, reliable AC repair services in Delray Beach to keep your home cool and your energy bills under control. Our experienced technicians are trained to handle all makes and models, and we’re ready to get your system back in working order. Call us at 772-356-4148 to schedule your free consultation and bring comfort back to your space.
Why Your AC Keeps Turning On and Off and What to Do About It
Does your AC keep switching on and off without actually cooling your home? This common problem—called short cycling—can lead to bigger issues if left unchecked. Below, we’ll break down what short cycling is, why it happens, the potential damage it can cause, and how to fix it.
What Is Short Cycling?
Short cycling is when your air conditioner powers on and off more frequently than it should, often without completing a full cooling cycle. Ideally, your AC should run long enough to bring the temperature down gradually before shutting off. When short cycling occurs, the system doesn’t have time to do its job properly, wasting energy and stressing out your equipment.
What Causes Short Cycling?
There are several possible reasons behind short cycling. Some are simple and easy to fix, while others may need a professional’s attention.
- Clogged Air Filters
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and overheat. In response, it shuts off early to prevent damage. Swapping out or cleaning your air filter is a quick and easy way to rule this out.
- Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is crucial for your AC to function. If there’s a leak or low refrigerant levels, your system won’t be able to cool properly and might shut off prematurely. This issue needs a licensed HVAC technician to locate the leak and recharge the refrigerant safely.
- Faulty Thermostat
If your thermostat is reading temperatures incorrectly or is installed in a poor location (like next to a window or vent), it could be signaling the AC to turn off too soon. A simple calibration or replacement may fix the issue.
- Oversized AC Unit
Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized AC cools your space too quickly, shutting down before the air is evenly distributed. This not only causes short cycling but also leads to uneven cooling and humidity problems. A professional load calculation can help determine if your system is too large for your home.
- Electrical Issues
Wiring problems, faulty capacitors, or a bad circuit board can cause your system to power on and off unexpectedly. Electrical repairs should always be handled by a qualified technician to avoid safety risks.
- Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen coils block the cooling process, which can cause your AC to shut down early. This could be due to airflow issues, low refrigerant, or dirty components. If your coils are frozen, it’s best to turn off the system and call a pro to inspect it.
Why Short Cycling Is a Big Deal
Short cycling isn’t just an annoyance—it can cause serious problems over time.
- Higher Energy Bills
Frequent cycling uses more electricity than a full, steady run cycle. That means more money out of your pocket each month.
- Extra Wear and Tear
The constant start-stop action puts more stress on key parts of your AC, especially the compressor. Over time, this leads to early breakdowns.
- Uneven Cooling
Short cycles don’t give your system time to evenly cool your space. You may notice some rooms stay hot while others are freezing.
- System Failure
If left unresolved, short cycling can cause major damage that leads to full system failure. In the worst-case scenario, you might need a costly replacement.
How to Fix Short Cycling
If your AC is turning on and off too often, here are a few steps you can take:
- Check or Replace the Air Filter
A clean air filter promotes good airflow and helps your system run more efficiently.
- Inspect the Thermostat
Make sure it’s functioning correctly and positioned in an optimal location. Replace it if needed.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance
Routine maintenance is key to catching issues like low refrigerant or frozen coils early. A technician will check the entire system and perform needed repairs.
- Let Frozen Coils Thaw
If coils are iced over, shut down the system and allow them to thaw. Don’t run the AC again until a professional has identified the cause.
- Evaluate System Size
If your unit is too large for your space, you might need to consider replacing it with a properly sized model. An HVAC specialist can help you make the right call.
When to Call the Pros
Some problems, like a dirty filter or a misconfigured thermostat, can be handled on your own. But if you’ve checked the basics and your AC is still short cycling, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Ignoring the issue can cost you more in the long run—both in repairs and energy bills. A trained technician can quickly pinpoint the problem and get your system back on track.
Need AC Repair in Delray Beach? We’re Here to Help
Whether your system is short cycling, blowing warm air, or not turning on at all, Kyzar Air Conditioning is ready to help. We offer fast, effective AC repair services in Delray Beach that restore your comfort and keep your system running smoothly. Call 772-356-4148 to schedule your free consultation today. Let our skilled team handle the hard work—so you can relax in a cool, comfortable home.