Why is Short Cycling Bad?

Short cycling is when your HVAC unit cycles on and off rapidly. Not only does it reduce the energy efficiency in your home, it puts excess wear and tear on your equipment. This can lead to frequent breakdowns and repairs. So what causes short cycling? It can be caused by a number of factors. One common issue is when the unit is too big for the space it is designed to cool. We often associate bigger with better falsely believing it will cool the space down faster. Instead this leads to space cooling so quickly that the air cannot be properly dehumidified. In turn the room will feel clammy and the temperature will fluctuate making the room feel either too hot or too cold. This constant shift in temperature means the unit is cycling and waring down the motor faster. Other causes could be ice buildup on the evaporator coils, dirty air filters, air clogs, or refrigerant loss or leak. These problems all need to be corrected as quickly as possible to minimize the expense and save your equipment. A professional technician can diagnose exactly the root cause and devise a plan to eliminate the core issue. Whatever the cause, if you notice your system short cycling, don’t delay in calling the experts for help. Give us a call today at (972) 446-COOL (2665) or find us online at spencerairconditioning.com. Spencer Air Conditioning and Heating has been serving your neighbors since 1960 and we are here to meet all of your HVAC needs. We can evaluate your system and provide you with information and options specifically for your home.