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HomeRepair HelpCentral A/C RepairCentral air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling Repair
Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling
When your central air conditioner is short cycling, meaning the system turns on and off repeatedly, start with the air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, reduces cooling capacity, and can cause the evaporator coil to frost over. Next, inspect the outdoor condenser coils. Dirt and debris prevent the coils from releasing heat, which can make the compressor overheat and shut down, resulting in air conditioner short cycling. A failing wall thermostat or thermostat wiring is another possible cause because defective electrical contacts can intermittently control power to the furnace, air handler, and condensing unit. If the filter, coils, and thermostat check out, the control board may be failing to send voltage to the cooling components. Replace an air filter yourself and clean the condenser coils only as directed by the owner's manual. Turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker before servicing, and do not work inside the 240-volt condensing unit unless qualified. Testing electrical parts or repairing refrigerant, refrigerant lines, or the sealed system requires a licensed HVAC technician and EPA 608 certification. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Central Air Conditioner Air Filter
Check and replace the air filter at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments or if there is a pet in the home. A clogged air filter will greatly reduce the air flow of the furnace or air handler which can result in the unit short cycling when trying to cool the home.
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Highly Likely
02 - Condenser Coils are Dirty
The condenser coils dissipate the heat as the refrigerant passes through the coils. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t be able to dissipate the heat as effectively. As debris builds up on the coils, the heat pump will become less efficient, causing the unit to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the heat pump will not be able to remove the heat from the outdoor coil, resulting in the compressor overheating and short cycling. Check the condenser coils to determine if they are dirty. Refer to owner's manual for cleaning instructions.
Common
03 - Central Air Conditioner Wall Thermostat
The wall thermostat has electrical contacts that control the power supply to the furnace, air handler and condensing unit. If the contacts in the thermostat fail, the cooling system may turn on intermittently. To determine if the thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the wall thermostat does not show proper continuity, replace it.
Less Common
04 - Central Air Conditioner Wifi Thermostat
The WiFi thermostat has electrical contacts that control the power supply to the furnace, air handler and condensing unit. If the contacts in the thermostat fail, the cooling system may run intermittently. To determine if the thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the WiFi thermostat does not show proper continuity, replace it.
Less Common
05 - Clogged Air Filter
If the air filter is clogged, air cannot flow properly through the home's venting system. This greatly reduces the cooling capacity of the air conditioner. In addition, if the air filter is clogged, the evaporator coils will frost over and not be able to remove moisture from the air. The air filter should be checked and replaced at least twice a year, more often in dusty/dirty environments. Refer to owner's manual for guidance.
Less Common
06 - Central Air Conditioner Control Board
The control board regulates the power supply to all of the components of the furnace or air handler. If the control board fails, it might not send voltage to parts of the cooling system, causing a loss of cooling and frequent cycling.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my central air conditioner short cycling?
Can a clogged air filter cause my AC to turn on and off repeatedly?
Could dirty condenser coils make my air conditioner short cycle?
How do I test a thermostat when my central AC is short cycling?
How do I identify the correct replacement part for a short-cycling central air conditioner?
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