5 Reasons Why Your Heating and Cooling System Is Short Cycling
Home HVAC systems automatically switch on their heating and cooling functions to bring your home to the correct temperature. However, sometimes this automated action goes awry, leading to the system switching on and off very rapidly in a process known as short cycling. You should not ignore short cycling as it is inefficient and could also be a sign that there is something seriously wrong with your home heating and cooling system. Here are a few reasons why it might be happening.
1. Clogged Air Filters
When the filters in your HVAC system become blocked with dirt, hair, or dust, the system has to work very hard to force air through them. This extra strain on the system can lead to overheating, which, in turn, causes the system to shut off before the home has reached the correct temperature.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coils
Frozen evaporator coils sometimes occur if you set your system to cool your home when the weather outside is relatively cold. A short-term solution for frozen evaporator coils is to shut down the system and allow the coils to fully thaw. However, if the coils keep freezing with normal HVAC use, you should call an HVAC repair service, as it can be a sign that there is a serious problem with your home heating and cooling system.
3. Leaking Refrigerant
Low levels of refrigerant can lead to short cycling. The most common reason for refrigerant levels to be low is a leak that is allowing the fluid to escape. Check around the unit for leaked fluid and call a repair service if you find any.
4. Electrical Problems
Sometimes, HVAC systems cycle on and off rapidly because there are problems with the unit's power supply. Do not try to fix electrical issues yourself, as working with electrical systems can be very dangerous. Instead, shut off the power to the unit and call an HVAC repair service who can handle it for you.
5. Overpowered HVAC System
When you install an HVAC system in your home, it is important to choose a unit that matches the size of the space that you need to heat and cool. If you select a unit that is too big and too highly powered, it can put out too much heated or cooled air, causing the temperature to change very rapidly and the unit to shut off before the cycle is complete.
Reach out to a professional who provides heating and cooling services for more information.