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HomeRepair HelpTempstar Central A/C RepairTempstar Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling Repair
Tempstar Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling
When your Tempstar central air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly, the system is short cycling and may not cool your home efficiently. The most likely cause is a dirty or clogged air filter, which restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, can freeze the evaporator coil, and makes the system shut down early. Next, check the outdoor condenser coils. Dirt and debris prevent heat from escaping, causing the compressor to overheat and the air conditioner to cycle too often. A failing wall thermostat or thermostat wiring can also send intermittent signals to the furnace, air handler, and condensing unit. Less commonly, a faulty control board may fail to supply power correctly and cause air conditioner short cycling. Replace the air filter and clean the condenser coils according to the owner's manual before testing electrical parts. Testing a thermostat or replacing a control board involves low-voltage controls, but the outdoor unit contains 240-volt wiring, so turn off power at the disconnect box and circuit breaker, and hire a qualified technician for line-voltage work. Any refrigerant or sealed-system repair requires an EPA 608-certified HVAC technician. Enter your Tempstar model number to find the exact replacement filter, thermostat, control board, or other part for your central air conditioner.
01 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 - Tempstar 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 Tempstar central air conditioner short cycling?
Can a dirty air filter cause my central air to turn on and off repeatedly?
What should I check if my Tempstar air conditioner is short cycling after the filter is replaced?
Could a bad control board cause my central air conditioner to short cycle?
How do I find the correct Tempstar replacement part for my short-cycling air conditioner?
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