Why Doesn’t My AC System Stay on Long Enough in Phoenix, AZ?

When your air conditioner doesn’t stay on long enough to complete a proper cooling cycle, it’s called short cycling. This behavior not only interferes with your ability to stay cool in your Phoenix, AZ, home but can also cause serious damage to your system. To help you avoid that, read on to learn a few reasons your AC system might start short cycling.

Clogged Filter

Over time, as your air conditioner’s filter cleans the air that passes through it, the debris it removes will build up. If this accumulation becomes excessive, it may obstruct airflow and have further consequences.

First, your AC system’s overall performance will decline, which will cause it to work harder. Secondly, because your air conditioner has to work harder, the system can overheat and shut down.

When this process repeats, it turns into short cycling. To help prevent this, remember to clean or change the filter at least once every three months.

Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant allows your air conditioner to transfer heat out of your home so that your system can produce cool air. After a refrigerant leak, its ability to do this will decline, possibly triggering short cycling.

AC System Size

It may be that the ultimate cause of your AC system’s short cycling resides in something that no amount of repairs can fix. Your air conditioner may be too large for your home.

If it is, it’ll probably have the power to adequately cool your home before completing a cycle, which would lead it to turn off early. You’ll need to tackle the issue at its root by installing a new AC system that’s the proper size for your home’s requirements.

Allowing your air conditioner to continue short cycling may ultimately destroy the system’s ability to function efficiently. Instead, call Island Breeze AC to schedule our AC repair services today.

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