It’s an exciting moment to turn your air conditioner on for the first time in the spring. For many of us, these systems are on all year except for maybe one or two months. But as you turn your system on, it runs a little bit and shuts off prematurely. And, to make matters worse, it keeps doing this over and over again. What’s going on?
Well, this is a problem we call “short cycling” and it’s where your system (as you can tell) runs in short, frequent cycles throughout the day. A short cycling air conditioner might seem like not that big of a deal but it will easily lead to other issues, inefficiency, and even an early replacement if you’re not careful.
What Causes Short Cycling in An Air Conditioner—and How Can AC Repair Help?
Short cycling happens when your air conditioner turns on and off rapidly—often within just a few minutes—before completing a full cooling cycle. This puts excessive strain on the compressor, wastes energy, hinders proper humidity removal, and can lead to uneven home temperatures. AC repair should address these common causes:
- Improper system sizing: An oversized unit cools too quickly, causing premature shutoff.
- Airflow restrictions: Clogged filters or dirty coils limit circulation and trigger short cycling.
- Refrigerant issues: Low levels from leaks or blockages can halt proper cooling and force frequent cycling.
- Thermostat faults: Malfunctions or poor placement lead to inaccurate temperature detection.
- Frozen evaporator coils: Ice buildup reduces cooling efficiency and prompts shutdowns.
Electrical problems: Faulty wiring or control components can disrupt normal cycling.
This blog is going to cover everything you need to know about short cycling air conditioners, and why you should call us for air conditioning repair in Metairie, LA ASAP.
