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Coleman Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling

Is your Coleman central air conditioner short cycling? Meaning the system turns on and off repeatedly, start with the air filter. A clogged air filter is the most likely cause because it restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, reduces cooling capacity, and can cause the evaporator coil to frost over. Replace the filter as needed, especially in dusty homes or those with pets. Next, inspect the outdoor condenser coils. Dirty condenser coils cannot release heat efficiently, which makes the compressor work harder, overheat, and shut down before the home reaches the set temperature. Clean them according to the owner's manual. If the problem continues, a defective wall thermostat or Coleman wall thermostat may have failing electrical contacts that make the system run intermittently. A faulty control board in the furnace or air handler can also interrupt power and cause frequent cycling. Enter your model number to find the exact replacement air filter, thermostat, or control board for your Coleman central air conditioner. Filter replacement and coil inspection are reasonable DIY tasks, but turn off power before service. Testing line-voltage components requires proper training, and any sealed-system or refrigerant repair requires an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician.

01 - Coleman 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 - Coleman 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 - Coleman 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 - Coleman 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 Coleman central air conditioner short cycling?
Can a clogged air filter cause my central air conditioner to turn on and off repeatedly?
Could dirty condenser coils make my Coleman AC short cycle?
How do I test a Coleman thermostat that is causing my AC to cycle too much?
How do I find the correct replacement part for my Coleman central air conditioner?

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