If you assume that your air conditioner is running properly just because it is actually running, think again. There are plenty of problems that may develop with an air conditioning system which won’t render it completely inoperable right away. Given enough time, these and any other problems can and will result in serious issues. Chances are that you’ll be looking at a potentially expensive air conditioning repair in Manitou Springs, CO if you don’t deal with the problem promptly.
Short cycling is one such problem. What makes short cycling so tricky is that your air conditioner will still start up and run. However, it will run only very briefly before shutting back down again. Short cycling is itself a symptom of other underlying problems with your air conditioner. They are not all terribly serious, but the potential is there. Here are a few potential causes of your short cycling phenomenon. Keep them in mind, and be sure to contact us if you think that your system is in trouble.
Have You Been Changing Your Filter Regularly?
If you’re wondering what the guy in that photo is carrying, then you may be in a bit of trouble. While the vast majority of air conditioning maintenance is something that only trained professionals can handle, there are a few maintenance steps that you can and should be taking on your own. Changing your air filter regularly is the primary one.
If your air filter is too clogged up, then it is going to create too much airflow resistance for your system to handle. It can overheat, and it will shut itself down in order to protect itself, even if it is in the middle of cooling your home. Always check your air conditioner filter if you notice your system running in short bursts.
Faulty Components Are More Serious
You can change an air filter on your own. You really cannot do much to troubleshoot, repair, or replace most faulty components in your HVAC system, though. Your thermostat may be malfunctioning, which can result in inaccurate temperature readings that trigger the system into a premature shutdown.
It could also be an issue with your run capacitor. If the run capacitor is not functioning properly, your system may not maintain a proper electrical charge to keep running consistently. Replacing the capacitor with a new one may be necessary to restore your system to normal functionality.
Refrigerant Leaks: a Worst Case Scenario
We do not traffic in fear tactics, but that does not change the fact that a refrigerant leak really does pose a serious risk to your air conditioning system. If your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, it should be repaired immediately, and the refrigerant should be charged back up to the appropriate level.
Your system’s entire operation hinges on the removal of heat from the air in your home, and that is made possible through the evaporation of refrigerant in the evaporator coil. When you have a leak, your system becomes less effective. It becomes less efficient. It becomes less reliable, short cycling and increasing wear and tear on the system. Eventually, it can damage your compressor beyond the point of repair.
Schedule any necessary AC services and repairs with Robbins Heating & Air Conditioning.
