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Intertherm Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling

If your Intertherm central air conditioner is short cycling, the system may turn on and off repeatedly, run for only a few minutes, or cycle too much without cooling the home evenly. Start with the air filter, the most likely cause. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, makes the evaporator coil frost over, and can force the AC to shut down. Next, inspect the outdoor condenser coil for dirt and debris. A dirty condenser coil cannot release heat efficiently, which can make the compressor overheat and trigger short cycling. If the filter and coil are clean, a defective wall thermostat or thermostat wiring may have faulty electrical contacts and call for cooling intermittently. A failed control board in the furnace or air handler is less common but can interrupt power to the cooling components. Turn off power before inspecting or replacing parts, and treat 240-volt wiring, the condensing unit, compressor, and sealed refrigerant system as professional repairs. Refrigerant work requires EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your Intertherm model number to find the exact air filter, thermostat, or control board for your central air conditioner.

01 - Intertherm 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 - Intertherm 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 - Intertherm 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 - Intertherm 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 Intertherm central air short cycling?
Can a thermostat cause my central air conditioner to turn on and off repeatedly?
Can a dirty air filter or frozen evaporator coil cause ac short cycling?
How do I find the correct Intertherm central air conditioner replacement part?
When should I call an HVAC technician for an Intertherm ac that keeps short cycling?

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