Is Short-Cycling Making Your Split AC System Less Efficient?
Split air conditioning systems are renowned for their efficiency and low running costs and are also highly reliable. However, split systems can suffer from malfunctions and problems that undermine their energy efficiency. The phenomenon known as 'short-cycling' is a common problem that affects all kinds of air conditioning systems, and split systems are no less vulnerable.
What Is Short-Cycling In Split AC Systems?
In simple terms, short-cycling occurs when an air conditioning system stops cooling before its thermostat reaches its temperature setting. After a short period of time, the malfunctioning system starts cooling again to try and reach the desired temperature, only to deactivate prematurely and start the cycle all over again.
This rapid cycle of activation and deactivation wastes a significant amount of energy and will prevent your split air conditioning system from cooling your home or business to the temperature you desire. Short-cycling also increases wear on moving components inside your system and can cause more serious malfunctions if the problem is not repaired swiftly.
What Causes Short-Cycling In Split AC Systems?
Short-cycling in split air conditioning systems can be caused by a variety of underlying problems. Here are some of the most common:
Clogged Air Filters
The physical air filters located inside your split system's indoor unit(s) must be cleaned on a regular basis and may need to be replaced if they become too clogged with dust and other particulate matter. Dirty air filters force the blower fans inside the unit to work harder and may lead to the fans overheating; if this occurs, your system will shut down automatically.
Cleaning and/or replacing the filters inside your system's indoor unit(s) is a relatively simple task and can fix your system's short-cycling issues in a matter of minutes. If you are unsure of how to safely remove the filters or don't know what type of replacement filter you need, contact an AC repair service for advice and help.
Insufficient Refrigerant
Split AC systems use chilled refrigerant liquids to cool the air passing through the indoor unit(s). If your system's supply of refrigerant is too low, it will not be able to provide sufficient cooling power, leading to overheating problems similar to those caused by clogged air filters.
If your refrigerant levels have not been topped up in many years, you may be able to fix the problem by adding more liquid. However, low refrigerant levels are more commonly caused by leaks in the refrigerant lines. These will need to be repaired by a professional AC repair service, as refrigerant liquids are toxic and can be hazardous to your health.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils in your split system's outdoor unit are responsible for chilling the refrigerant liquid supply. If they get too cold, they may become coated in an outer layer of ice, preventing them from chilling the liquid effectively and forcing your system to shut down prematurely.
Take a look at your system's outdoor unit, and look for any components that are noticeably iced over. Shutting down the system and allowing the ice to thaw may be enough to fix the problem. However, frozen evaporator coils can also be caused by a number of serious mechanical issues, so you will need to call in professional repair services if the coils refreeze.
If you have additional questions, contact a local AC repair technician.
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