AC Unit Constantly Cycles – Causes & Fixes

Is your air conditioner (AC) unit constantly cycling? Having your air conditioner malfunctioning is not something any homeowner wants to experience. It can lead to higher energy bills, noise, vibration and a host of other annoying problems. A large part of the issue is that many times the root cause of the AC unit constantly cycling is not always easy to pinpoint.

In this article, we’ll discuss some common causes of AC units cycling on and off too frequently and some fixes to get your AC unit running smoothly once again.

Faulty Thermostat

A common cause of an air conditioner cycling on and off too often is a faulty thermostat. The thermostat tells the AC unit when to turn on and off, so if it is faulty then it will cause your AC unit to cycle more than it should. Symptoms of a faulty thermostat include the air conditioner turning on and off randomly and your AC unit blowing hot air instead of cold.

If you have an older style thermostat, consider replacing it with a digital thermostat. Digital thermostats offer more features, including temperature accuracy, humidity control, and scheduling capabilities. Another option is to install a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat which can be controlled remotely.

Malfunctioning Compressor

Another common cause of an AC unit cycling on and off too frequently is a malfunctioning compressor. The compressor is the key component of the air conditioner, and if it has developed any sort of defect, then it can lead to your AC unit cycling on and off too often.

If you suspect the compressor is failing or malfunctioning, you’ll want to call a professional to inspect the compressor and perform necessary repairs or replacements.

Dirty Air Filters

Dirty air filters are one of the most common causes of an AC unit cycling on and off too frequently. When the air filter gets clogged with debris and dirt, air can’t circulate as freely, causing the AC unit to overwork itself and cause the unit to cycle on and off too often.

To prevent this from happening, it is important to check and change your air filters regularly. A general rule of thumb is to check your air filters monthly and change them every 3 months.

Refrigerant Leaks

Low levels of refrigerant can cause your air conditioner to cycle on and off too frequently, which can lead to warm air coming out of vents and higher energy bills. This is due to the fact that low levels of refrigerant causes the AC unit to work harder than it should to cool the house.

If you suspect there is a refrigerant leak, it is important to call a professional technician to inspect the system and make necessary repairs. Refrigerant leaks can be hazardous and therefore should not be handled without proper training and knowledge.

Clogged Condenser Coil

Another common cause of an AC unit cycling on and off too frequently is a clogged condenser coil. The condenser coil is responsible for dissipating heat from your air conditioner, so if it is clogged with dirt and debris, it can cause the AC unit to cycle on and off too often.

If the coil is clogged, a professional technician can inspect and clean the system. In some cases, the coil may need to be replaced if it has been severely damaged.

Neglected Maintenance

Neglecting regular maintenance is one of the most common reasons why an AC unit will cycle on and off too frequently. To ensure your AC unit is healthy and running efficiently, it is important to have it serviced annually by a qualified technician.

A qualified technician can inspect your AC unit and check crucial components, such as the refrigerant levels, compressor, and air filters, to ensure everything is working as it should be.

Conclusion

Having your air conditioner cycling on and off too frequently can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, there are several causes and fixes to help get your AC unit running smoothly again.

If the cause of the AC unit cycling constantly is difficult to pinpoint or you are unable to fix the issue yourself, it is always best to call a reliable and experienced appliance repair service. They will be able to pinpoint the issue and provide a solution that will have your AC unit running efficiently for years to come.

AC Unit Constantly Cycles: Strategies for Prevention

Regular maintenance and proactive preventative action are the best ways to avoid AC unit issues such as constant cycling. Knowing the warning signs, performing regular maintenance, and talking to a local HVAC technician or appliance company can all help prevent recurring problems with home air conditioners.

Manufacturer Recommendations

Most AC units come with manufacturer recommendations for preventing issues. Following those instructions for maintenance, installation, and use are essential for ensuring that the AC unit runs as designed. In general, manufacturer recommendations include:

• Keeping the air filters clean and regularly replacing dirty filters.
• Ensuring proper airflow around the unit to prevent it from becoming too hot while it’s operating.
• Installing a programmable thermostat and using the appropriate settings.
• Checking the evaporator and condenser coils regularly and cleaning them, as necessary.
• Inspecting the condenser and evaporator coils for damage or wear.
• Checking the voltage supply to the unit is correct and making sure the electrical wires are not frayed or loose.
• Inspecting the unit for any other signs of wear or damage.

Local Appliance Company or HVAC Technician Recommendations

In addition to following manufacturer recommendations, contact a local appliance company or HVAC technician for an inspection and maintenance of the AC unit. An inspection will help identify any potential problems, so they can be repaired or serviced before they cause the AC unit to constantly cycle. The technician or appliance company may also recommend a few extra preventive measures to keep the unit running properly and prevent cycling issues. These can include:

• Installing a high-efficiency air filter that can capture smaller particles and reduce air impurities.
• Upgrading the AC unit to a more efficient model if it’s obsolete or outdated.
• Checking the airflow around the unit to ensure that it’s not blocked by objects like furniture or curtains.
• Installing a new thermostat if the current one is malfunctioning or outdated.
• Making sure the unit’s coils are free from debris or dirt and replacing them if necessary.
• Replacing any worn or damaged parts on the AC unit.

Conclusion

Taking proactive measures to prevent AC unit cycling issues can help keep the unit running smoothly and help reduce the need for repairs or maintenance in the long run. Following manufacturer recommendations and speaking to a local appliance company or HVAC technician is the best way to ensure that the AC unit remains in top condition and works as designed.

Repair Cost and Advice for a Constantly Cycling AC Unit

AC unit repairs can be costly depending on the issue. If your unit is constantly cycling, the cost of repair or installation could range from minimal to steep, and the type of repair or installation needed will depend on the age and condition of the unit.

In California, the minimum repair cost for a constantly cycling AC unit is estimated to be around $250 and the complex repair or installation cost could be as high as $1,500 – $2,000. This is assuming prices have risen by 20%.

The cost of repairs or installation could include:
– Electrical components (switches and thermostats)
– Condenser fan motors
– Electrical wiring
– Capacitors
– Motors
– Fan blades
– Drain pan
– Condensate pumps
– Freon

Materials such as filters, freon, and other chemicals, may also increase the total cost.

It is important to note that these costs can vary significantly based on the type of repairs needed and the labor cost of the service technician or contractor. To get an accurate estimate, it is highly recommended that you contact a reliable air conditioning and heating expert.

If you are located in California and need a reliable AC repair service, consider calling Local Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating. They provide professional service at competitive rates.

The Benefits of Quality AC Unit Repair and Installation

When your AC unit constantly cycles, it can cause major discomfort and inconvenience in your home or business. That’s why it’s helpful to trust a local California vendor like Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating. As a family-owned business, Reliable is committed to providing quality and timely repairs and installations for their clients’ AC units.

Reliable offers same-day services with highly trained technicians who have a minimum of 5 years of experience. You can trust that they’ll resolve your AC unit issues quickly, and at a fair and affordable price.

When working with Reliable, you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands. The company is licensed and insured, providing you with peace of mind that you’ll be getting reliable and quality service. Furthermore, your repair comes with a 90-day warranty, so you can be confident that your AC unit is working optimally.

Choosing Reliable Air Conditioning & Heating for your AC unit repair and installation needs offers numerous benefits. You get to enjoy quality and timely service from experienced and licensed technicians, all at a competitive price. So, don’t wait any longer; trust the experts at Reliable to repair your AC unit and have it running optimally again.

FAQ – AC Unit Constantly Cycles – Causes & Fixes

What Could be The Reason Behind My AC Unit Constantly Cycles?

The most common cause of an AC unit constantly cycling is an obstruction or restriction in the air filter and/or ductwork, or a refrigerant leak. It can also be caused by a malfunctioning thermostat, electrical problem, or a malfunction in the compressor or condenser fan.

What Kind of Issues Could a Refrigerant Leak Cause?

A refrigerant leak will cause your AC unit to have to work harder to cool or heat your home. This can result in your AC unit continuously cycling, which will contribute to a decrease in energy efficiency and higher energy bills.

What Can I Do To Fix An Obstruction or Restriction in My Air Filter or Ductwork?

If there is an obstruction or restriction in your air filter or ductwork, you will need to have your HVAC system professionally serviced. During a service call, the technician will inspect all of the vents and the air filter, and determine if they are the source of the obstruction.

What Can I Do To Fix a Malfunctioning Thermostat?

If your AC unit is cycling due to a malfunctioning thermostat, you will need to have a certified HVAC contractor inspect it. The technician will be able to diagnose any problems with your thermostat and make the necessary repairs or adjustments.

How Can I Fix an Electrical Problem?

If there is an electrical problem that is causing your AC unit to cycle, you will need to have an electrician inspect the unit and diagnose any possible issues. An electrician will be able to properly repair or replace any malfunctioning components.

What Should I Do If There is a Malfunction in the Compressor or Condenser Fan?

If your AC unit is cycling due to a malfunction in the compressor or condenser fan, you will need to have your HVAC system professionally serviced. The technician will inspect both components and diagnose any problems. If any repairs need to be made, they can be done while the system is being serviced.

Is There Anything Else I Should Do?

If your AC unit is constantly cycling, it is important to have it inspected by a certified HVAC contractor right away. When left unaddressed, the issue can cause more serious problems and could end up costing more in energy bills.

If you are in need of AC service, we recommend you contact a local, reliable appliance repair shop. Contact Local Reliable Appliance Repair at (866) 311-8590 for fast, friendly service.