702-564-6697Air conditioning is essential when you live in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of the more common issues that can cause an air conditioner to malfunction is short cycling. This is when an air conditioner switches off and on repeatedly before completing its cooling cycle. Fortunately, this issue is repairable. Here’s everything you need to know about short cycling, including what to do when it happens. And if your system is older and struggling with frequent breakdowns, you may want to consider why fall is the best time to replace your AC unit.
Why your AC is short‑cycling?
- Check the air filter — If it’s clogged or dirty, airflow drops and the unit may overheat and shut off prematurely.
- Inspect the thermostat — A faulty or miscalibrated thermostat can trigger frequent on/off cycles.
- Verify refrigerant levels — Low refrigerant causes overheating and automatic shutdowns to protect the system.
- Electrical issues — Problems with the electrical board or control wiring can cause erratic cycling.
- Call HVAC repair service — If basic checks don’t fix the issue, a technician should diagnose more complex problems to prevent damage and prolong system life.
Why is My Air Conditioner Short Cycling?
Short cycling is generally caused by common issues a professional service technician can repair easily. The thermostat, which regulates temperature and tells your air conditioner when to turn on and off, might need replacing. Or, the air filter has clogged. This prevents the filter from drawing in enough air, causing it to overheat and switch off. If your AC unit’s refrigerant levels are low, it might turn itself off to avoid overheating, as well. Further, a malfunctioning electrical board can cause an air conditioner to turn on and off at improper times. In some cases, these warning signs are just another example of how an AC repair can sneak up on you.
Why Short Cycling is Bad
An air conditioner that short cycles requires professional repair or maintenance. If you choose to ignore the problem, it’ll get worse. As a result, it’ll reduce your air conditioner’s lifespan in the process. This is due to the excessive strain short cycling puts on the unit’s fans, bearings and other components.
What to Do About Short Cycling
First, check your air filter and replace it if it’s excessively dirty. If this doesn’t fix the problem, a clogged filter isn’t to blame. In this case, the resolution is probably not going to be a quick, do-it-yourself fix. You’ll need to have your unit repaired by a professional as soon as possible to avoid causing further damage. We can diagnose and repair the problem quickly, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your air conditioning again. To reduce the chances of this happening next season, it’s a good idea to add AC maintenance to your spring checklist.
Don’t put up with an air conditioner that isn’t working properly. Call Johnny On The Spot at (725) 977-9461 for help solving your short cycling problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What causes an AC to short cycle (turn on and off too frequently)?
Answer: Common causes include a thermostat that’s failing or miscalibrated, a clogged air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant levels, or a malfunctioning electrical control board. Any of these can make the AC cycle irregularly.
Question: Why is short cycling bad for my air conditioner?
Answer: It puts excessive strain on the system’s components—fans, bearings, compressor—and can lead to decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and shorter lifespan of the unit.
Question: What should I check first if my AC is short cycling?
Answer: Inspect and replace a dirty air filter if needed. That’s a common and easy fix. If that doesn’t solve it, the problem is likely more complex and may require professional diagnosis.
Question: When is professional help required for short cycling?
Answer: If replacing the filter doesn’t help, or if issues involve thermostat problems, electrical controls, refrigerant handling, or repeated cycle failures, you should call a certified HVAC technician to prevent damage.
Image provided by iStock