In places where the temperatures reach 98 degrees, air conditioners are a blessing. People living in Texas won’t let me lie.
While the entire unit might work fine, the compressor can suddenly stop in a few minutes of cooling. If it repeats it is called a short cycling.
Below are a Few Reasons for Short Cycling
- Clogged air filter
- Wiring and electrical damages
- The evaporator coil is frozen
Below are more details for each issue and possible solutions for fixing them.
Dirt or Sludge
The unit may overheat due to the dirt or sludge inside it. Once it reaches a critical temperature, it automatically turns off, for safety reasons.
Sludge and dirt are not uncommon in cooling systems. The fix is simple. Clean the compressor with a dry cloth as soon as you can, to avoid a complete breakdown. If you can’t do it yourself, call your local service for help.
Broken Electrical Wiring
Check if electrical wiring in your house is intact and not damaged. If so, the next step is to check if the wire is connected to the compressor clutch. It allows the A/C compressor to work. If the terminal breaks, both clutch and the terminal require replacement. It is not super complicated if you have the appropriate tools. Otherwise, it may require a trip to a shop. The terminal usually costs around $12.
Thermostat Temperature Reading
The thermostat is responsible for increasing or decreasing the air conditioner’s temperature. Modern thermostats primarily use solid-state sensors, but their fundamental operation remains the same. A switch within the thermostat opens and closes based on temperature fluctuations.
When placed in intense sunlight or direct cold, it can send inaccurate temperatures to the unit and restart the compressor.
Not sure how to check it? Call furnace repair professionals near you.
Irregular Maintenance and Servicing
Regular maintenance is essential for any electrical unit, including AC. An air conditioner requires servicing at least once a year, or more frequently in hot regions.
If you don’t recognize any of these problems with your AC, the compressor might need servicing or even a full replacement.