When your air conditioner keeps turning on and off more often than seems normal, it is easy to wonder what is going on. Short cycling can mean something simple like a clogged filter or a thermostat sitting in direct sun. It can also mean an oversized system, a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor contactor.
What a healthy cycle looks like
On a normal summer afternoon in Baldwin County, expect roughly 10 to 20 minutes of run time per cycle, two or three cycles an hour. On the hottest days a correctly sized system may run nearly continuously — that is not a fault, that is the system doing its job. Cycles under about seven minutes, repeatedly, are worth investigating.
Common causes, cheapest first
- Dirty filter or blocked return: restricts airflow, freezes the coil, trips the system off.
- Thermostat placement: direct sun or a nearby supply register makes it satisfy early.
- Low refrigerant: a leak drops pressure and trips the low-pressure switch.
- Failing contactor or capacitor: the compressor drops out under load.
- Oversized equipment: cools the air fast, never runs long enough to dehumidify. This one leaves the house cold and clammy.
Does it need a call today?
If the house is still holding temperature and the air is dry, it can usually wait until Monday. If you are seeing ice on the lines or the house is not keeping up, call us at 251-463-8031.