Why Does My AC Keep Turning On & Off Repeatedly?

• Thermostat Problem

Another common problem that can cause your AC to cycle on and off is an issue with your thermostat. If your thermostat is not properly calibrated or malfunctioning, it can cause your AC unit to turn on and off more frequently than it should.

To troubleshoot this problem, you should check that your thermostat is calibrated correctly. If it’s not, you can adjust the settings yourself. Contact Valliere Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC, for AC service in the Woodlands area to diagnose and fix the issue.

• Wrong Thermostat Location

A thermostat controls the temperature of a room by signaling to the AC system when to turn on and off. However, if the thermostat is placed in the wrong location, it may give inaccurate readings.

Some examples of bad thermostat placement include near windows in direct sunlight, close to supply air vents, or the hottest room of the house, such as the kitchen. To fix this issue, move the thermostat to a more central location in the room.

• Clogged AC Unit Air Filter

Another common reason for an AC unit to cycle on and off is a dirty air filter. The air filter is responsible for trapping debris and dust particles before they enter the unit, and if it becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow to the unit. This can cause the unit to work harder than it should, leading to frequent cycling.

To fix this problem, you should check your air filter regularly and replace it as needed. A good habit is to change your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on the level of use and the amount of debris in your home.

• Dirty Condenser Coils

The condensate drain is a small pipe that carries away the moisture that’s produced by your AC unit. If this pipe becomes clogged, it can cause water to back up into your unit, which can cause it to turn on and off repeatedly.

To fix this problem, you should check the condensate drain and clear any debris blocking it. If the problem persists, you may need to call our professional. Contact Valliere Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC, for air conditioner repair in the Woodlands, TX, to diagnose and fix the issue.

• Oversized AC Unit

If your newly installed AC is short-cycling, it may be because the unit is too large for your space. An oversized AC can result in rapid and uneven refrigerant cycles, causing short cycling, high power bills, frequent repairs, and a shorter lifespan. To fix this, have our professional HVAC company use an AC sizing calculator to determine the correct size for your home. Professionals can also evaluate and assess airflow and poor installation throughout the house.

• Low Refrigerant

Low refrigerant levels are the most common causes of an AC unit turning on and off repeatedly. Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air inside your home, and if there isn’t enough of it, your AC will struggle to keep up with the cooling demand. This can cause the unit to cycle on and off frequently to keep your home at the desired temperature.

Suppose you suspect that your AC unit is low on refrigerant. In that case, it’s essential to call a professional, such as Valliere Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC, for air conditioner repair in Woodlands, TX. Attempting to add refrigerant yourself can be dangerous, and only a licensed technician should handle it.

• Compressor Fault

A faulty compressor can cause overheating in your AC unit, resulting in frequent cycling on and off. This can also lead to wear and tear on other system components. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to call our professional HVAC technician to repair or replace the compressor.

• Frozen Evaporator Coil

Frozen evaporator coils can be caused by restricted airflow and refrigerant leaks. When this occurs, the AC unit will turn off and turn back on when the ice thaws. To address this issue, check for ice buildup on the outdoor unit. If it is frozen, contact a professional air conditioning company in Magnolia, TX such as Valliere Air Conditioning & Heating, LLC, to diagnose the problem, whether it be an air filter or refrigerant leak, and fix it.

• Clogged Drain Line

A clogged drain line in an AC system can be indicated by the “float switch” feature turning off the AC when the water in the drain line does not drain properly. If switching the thermostat to “Auto” does not fix the issue, it is best to contact a local HVAC expert to unclog the drain line.

• Electrical Faults

Short cycling in an AC unit can also be caused by electrical issues such as faulty capacitors, electric supply cables, circuits board, or thermostats. These problems can cause the AC to repeatedly turn on and off. Contacting a professional electrician to diagnose and fix the problem is essential, as electrical faults can be difficult to diagnose and dangerous to handle without proper expertise.