We’re coming up on one of the last blog posts this year that we’ll be writing about air conditioning. It’s true, the summer quickly came to a close and now we’re almost a quarter of the way through October! This means that heating season is upon us and we’ll be shifting topics to people in need of heater help.
But wait! There’s one last subject we’d like to discuss before we jump into the heating season. We’ve been a little quiet about short-cycling air conditioners this year, and if yours started to short-cycle at the end of the cooling season, then this blog post is for you.
We need to talk about what this phenomenon is, why it happens, and what causes it. The more informed you are about your short-cycling air conditioner, regardless of the season, the more likely you are to call for professional air conditioning repair in Arlington, VA when things are uncomfortable.
Reminder: It’s Never Too Late for AC Repair
Yes, it’s October. Yes, heating season is right around the corner. No, it’s not too late for air conditioning repair in Arlington.
The truth is that we understand air conditioners as long-term investments. Just because you’re going to stop using your air conditioner for the rest of the year doesn’t mean you’re never going to use it again. In most cases, you’ll be using your AC unit for the next 8-10 years, so getting it fixed now is almost always better than getting it fixed in the spring.
Also, problems with an air conditioner can get worse over time, especially if it’s sitting around collecting dust. That misaligned component will sink even lower with 6 months of gravity weighing on it. Do yourself and your home efficiency a favor, and call us for AC repair now rather than later.
What Is Short-Cycling?
Short-cycling is a term we use in the industry to describe an air conditioner that runs in short, frequent cycles. Instead of three, 15-minute cycles throughout an hour, it might run in multiple 5-minute cycles in an hour. This is a very bad thing for your AC.
The startup process of an air conditioner is the most energy-intensive part of the process. The more your system starts up and shuts down, the more energy it’s going to use. This process is also going to stress out certain components of the AC because it’s repeatedly wearing down only a few parts of the system, instead of providing normal wear and tear through regular use.
If you suspect your air conditioner is short-cycling, then call us as soon as possible.
The Causes of Short-Cycling
Notice how we said “causes?” That’s because there can be multiple causes for short-cycling. Your air conditioner could be leaking refrigerant, causing it to start up and shut down abruptly. Or, the air filter could be clogged which is stifling the unit and causing it to overheat and shut down quickly. Either way, the problems need to be alleviated.
Do yourself a favor and change out the air filter, then call us for help. We can target the problem and eliminate it with high-tech equipment and industry expertise.
Get your AC fixed by calling Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.