Why Your AC Keeps Turning Off and On in Millstone, NJ

You’ve come to expect your air conditioner to go through several cooling cycles whenever it’s on. You have a problem, though, if your AC keeps turning on and off again in rapid succession.

The good news is that you can resolve the issue by scheduling professional AC repair services in Millstone, NJ. However, even if this is the case, you might still be asking yourself, “Why does my AC stop and start again?” Let’s find out.

The Potential Dangers of Short Cycling

Short cycling refers to the process of your unit turning on and off in short intervals. While frustrating, this isn’t the only downside.

Higher Energy Consumption

When your unit short-cycles, it actually uses up more energy than it does when completing a full cycle. Therefore, an AC that starts and stops repeatedly can leave you with a higher utility bill.

Increased Wear and Tear

Constant starting and stopping put more strain on the compressor, accelerating its wear and tear. Before you know it, you could end up with premature component failure, leading to an expensive repair or even replacement of the entire unit.

Compressor Overheating

The more strain your AC’s compressor is under, the more likely it is to overheat and possibly burn out if you ignore the issue.

Reduced AC Lifespan

Most air conditioners can last up to 15 years with regular maintenance. Unfortunately, frequent short cycling can greatly reduce your unit’s longevity. This is mostly down to the excessive strain your AC will be under.

Common Reasons Why Your AC Is Short-Cycling

If you are asking yourself, “Why does my AC stop and start again?” and your unit’s frequent short cycling has left you concerned about its long-term performance, worry no more. While a lot can cause your AC to stop and start again, most of these issues have an easy fix.

Here are some of the problems that could be causing your air conditioner to keep turning on and off again.

Thermostat Issues

The source of all your frustrations could be a malfunctioning thermostat. After all, it is the brain of your AC unit.

For instance, your thermostat could be misreading the temperature of your Millstone home, relaying the wrong information to your AC. Other times, your thermostat’s batteries could be failing.

Electrical Problems

If there’s no issue with the thermostat, the problem could be electrical. You might either have an electrical shortage or voltage spikes.

Sometimes, your unit may have corroded wires, frayed cables, or faulty circuit boards. These could be the result of various factors, from water damage to pest activity.

Dirty Air Filters

A clogged filter can cause a world of problems. This is why replacing filters regularly is essential to your unit’s smooth running.

When you have a clogged filter, your AC is unable to operate normally. The filter restricts airflow, causing your unit to start and stop again in short intervals.

Low Refrigerant Levels

“Why does my AC stop and start again?” The answer could lie in your unit’s refrigerant levels.

The refrigerant plays a crucial role in your AC’s ability to cool your Millstone home. When refrigerant levels are low, your system’s compressor will be unable to function normally. This could cause it to shut down.

Dirty Coils

Do you clean your AC’s coils regularly? If you don’t, this might be why you currently have a short cycling unit.

The evaporator coils are responsible for absorbing the heat in your home’s air. Letting them get too dirty prevents them from performing their role, which obstructs your AC from keeping your home cool.

Fixing a Short-Cycling AC in Millstone, NJ

Now that you know some of the possible causes of your unit’s short cycling, how can you fix it? Unfortunately, stopping your unit from turning on and off in short intervals can be tricky without proper help.

This is why it’s always best to reach out to a certified AC technician as soon as your unit starts short-cycling. They will have the tools needed to perform a full diagnostic test and determine the root cause.