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HomeRepair HelpPhilco Central A/C RepairPhilco Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling Repair
Philco Central air conditioner is frequently cycling/short cycling
When your Philco central air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly, the system is experiencing AC short cycling. Start with the air filter, the most likely cause. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the furnace or air handler, reduces cooling capacity, and can cause the evaporator coil to frost over. Replace the air filter as directed, especially if your home is dusty or has pets. Next, inspect the outdoor condenser coil. Dirt and debris prevent the coil from releasing heat, which can make the compressor overheat and shut down before the cooling cycle is complete. If the filter and condenser coil are clean, the wall thermostat or thermostat wiring may have faulty electrical contacts and send intermittent signals to the condensing unit, furnace, or air handler. A failed control board is less common but can also interrupt power and cause central air short cycling. Turn off power before inspecting accessible parts, and use caution because the condenser contains 240-volt components. Thermostat, control board, and electrical testing may require a qualified technician. Do not open the sealed refrigerant system; refrigerant work requires EPA 608 certification and a licensed HVAC technician. Enter your Philco model number to find the exact replacement air filter, thermostat, or control board for your central air conditioner.
01 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 - Philco 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 Philco central air conditioner short cycling?
Can a clogged air filter cause my AC to turn on and off repeatedly?
How do I troubleshoot dirty condenser coils when my AC is short cycling?
How can I tell if the thermostat is causing my central AC to short cycle?
How do I identify and buy the correct Philco AC replacement part?
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