Author: Jeff O'Hara
Quick Summary
- With HVAC, the “short cycling” definition refers to your heater or air conditioner turning on and off too quickly, often due to poor maintenance, malfunctions, or inappropriate sizing.
- Common causes include refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, a clogged filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat, with symptoms like uneven temperatures, high energy bills, and strange sounds.
- Short cycling can damage your HVAC system, prematurely wearing out parts and causing strain on the furnace, heat pump, and/or air conditioner.
What Is “Short Cycling” in an HVAC System?
A short-cycling HVAC system is an abnormal issue that makes your home heating or cooling system turn on and off more frequently than it should, preventing it from completing an entire cycle.
Nick’s Plumbing, Sewer, Air Conditioning, and Heating has licensed HVAC technicians who are available now to assist residents throughout Southeast Texas. Our service area includes Kingwood, River Oaks, Spring, and The Woodlands. In this blog, we’ll explore what short cycling is and how Nick’s experienced techs can help.
Why Is Short Cycling Bad for Your HVAC System?
Although it may appear to be a minor issue, short cycling negatively impacts your HVAC system by causing unnecessary wear and tear, which results in high energy bills, compressor damage, and expensive repairs.
How To Tell if Your HVAC Is Short-Cycling
Common symptoms of a short-cycling HVAC are:
- Inability to reach your desired temperature
- Uneven heating or cooling
- Turning on and off quickly
The longer you ignore the problem, the worse it’ll get. Call Nick’s today if your HVAC is short-cycling, and we’ll address the root cause of the problem with long-term solutions you can trust.
Common Causes of Short Cycling
The most common causes of HVAC short cycling include the following:
Dirty or clogged air filters
If your air filter is clogged or dirty, it can block airflow and make your system work harder, leading to overheating and an early shutdown. Replace your filters regularly, and schedule regular HVAC maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.
Oversized HVAC system
An oversized HVAC system heats or cools your home too quickly, causing inefficient energy use. You need an appropriately sized HVAC system for efficient heating and cooling. If your HVAC is too big, a technician may recommend replacing the system for optimal performance.
Low refrigerant levels
Insufficient refrigerant can make it difficult for your HVAC system to maintain your desired temperature, which will trigger frequent starts and stops. A refrigerant leak typically causes this, and due to safety concerns, a certified technician must address it as soon as possible.
Thermostat malfunctions
A faulty thermostat may misread temperatures or send incorrect signals to the HVAC system, causing it to turn on and off repeatedly. A professional technician can calibrate or relocate the thermostat to resolve the issue. In some cases, replacing the thermostat with a more accurate model is the best solution.
Blocked or dirty evaporator coils
Dirt and debris on the evaporator coils may impede a heat pump or air conditioner’s ability to properly transfer heat, forcing the system to shut down to prevent damage. Regular maintenance will prevent dust and dirt from building up, keeping the coils clean and improving airflow.
Electrical problems or faulty components
If your HVAC system is short-cycling, it may have faulty wiring or a loose connection. Capacitor problems may also cause erratic cycling issues. A professional should always look at electrical problems. Call Nick’s for assistance.
Blocked vents or poor airflow
If vents are blocked or your ductwork has been poorly designed, it may lead to a pressure imbalance in the system that can cause short cycling. Fixing this issue and scheduling annual HVAC maintenance will:
- Increase energy efficiency
- Reduce system wear and tear
- Increase the system’s lifespan
How To Fix Short Cycling in Your HVAC System
Let’s go over how to fix HVAC short cycling on your own and when it’s time to call a pro.
Simple DIY steps
You can try simple DIY steps like:
- Move furniture, rugs, and curtains away from vents
- Make sure all registers are open
- Replace your furnace and air conditioner air filters
- Clear debris from the exterior AC unit
If these solutions don’t help, you should schedule service with your local Houston-area HVAC technician.
Professional HVAC solutions
At Nick’s, we identify the root cause of the problem, as the solution depends on the specific issue at hand, fixing it quickly and keeping cost-effectiveness and long-term reliability in mind.
How To Prevent Short Cycling in the Future
You can prevent HVAC short cycling by:
- Scheduling regular preventative maintenance service calls
- Checking with a pro that your thermostat is in a good location
- Ensuring you have an appropriately sized heater and AC system
Nick’s VIP Smart Monitoring & Maintenance Program includes two annual HVAC maintenance visits that’ll keep your HVAC system running smoothly and prevent common issues like short cycling. Our maintenance program provides peace of mind and consistent comfort, plus you can use the Nick’s Smart VIP app for round-the-clock updates on potential HVAC issues.
Why Choose Nick’s Air Conditioning to Fix Short Cycling
Nick’s Air Conditioning is the trusted choice for Harris County area homeowners. Our techs arrive equipped with advanced tools and extensive experience, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Whether you’ve scheduled a tune-up or air conditioner repair, our team is all about speed and precision. We’ll pinpoint the problem quickly, so you can get back to living comfortably.
Service Areas in Houston, TX
Our service areas include Houston, TX, as well as the following ZIP codes:
77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77019, 77024, 77027, 77030, 77036, 77042, 77046, 77055, 77056, 77057, 77063, 77074, 77079, 77081, 77084, 77092, 77096, 77098
When you choose Nick’s Air Conditioning Services in Houston, you’re choosing a company that values your comfort and gets the job done right the first time. Call Nick’s today. We’re on the way!
Frequently Asked Questions
What effects does short cycling have on my energy bills?
Short cycling raises your energy bills. Each time the heater or AC turns on, it uses significantly more power than usual. Over time, the accelerated wear and tear will make the entire system run less efficiently.
Why does short cycling make my home feel humid or uncomfortable?
Your air conditioner isn’t able to remove the moisture from the air because it’s not running long enough. This increases your home’s humidity over time, making the air feel clammy or humid.
How often does short cycling occur in a properly functioning system?
Short cycling never occurs when your HVAC system is functioning correctly. If it’s short cycling, there’s a problem that needs addressing.