It’s bad news for you and for your air conditioner if it turns on and off right away. It takes more power for your AC unit to start up repeatedly than it does to run a full cycle. This not only adds to your electric bill but also puts unnecessary strain on your AC unit.
Leaving your AC unit to run in short, unsuccessful bursts could lead to more serious repairs. If you notice that your AC turns on and off several times in a row, an HVAC specialist should examine the issue as soon as possible. Here are some reasons why this could be happening:
- Your Thermostat is Broken Many issues homeowners face with their AC unit can be traced to a malfunctioning thermostat. If your air conditioner turns on and off right away, your thermostat may be broken. It could be reading the temperature of the home incorrectly, thereby communicating misinformation to your AC unit.
- Your Air Filter is Dirty When AC units malfunction, a dirty air filter is a common culprit. When your AC unit’s air filter is clogged, it can’t operate properly and is often forced into a type of overdrive or malfunctioning processing. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can cause your AC unit to start and stop again. Check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Moving forward, be sure to replace your air filter regularly.
- Your Air Conditioner is Oversized If you notice your air conditioning turning on and off, think about how long it’s been doing that. Has it always been a problem or did it recently start? If your AC turns on and off again right away, it could be too large for your home and need replacing. An air conditioner that is too large and powerful for the size of the home won’t operate properly.
- Dirty Coils If you’ve noticed your air conditioning turning on and off, but none of the above reasons seem to be the culprit, it’s possible that your AC unit’s condenser coils are covered in dirt, dust, and other debris. If these coils are clogged with too much dirt, it can lead to your AC turning on and off, as well as other more serious problems. Have the coils cleaned by a professional HVAC technician to help your unit run properly again.
- Refrigerant Leakage If your air conditioner turns on and off right away, this could also be due to your system having a refrigerant leak. When your system is running low on coolant, the compressor isn’t able to operate properly, causing it to shut down. Always have an HVAC specialist handle a possible refrigerant leak in your AC unit.
- Compressor Failure If your air conditioner turns on and off, it could be because of compressor failure even if your refrigerant levels are fine. An AC compressor can overheat, malfunction, or begin failing, all of which can trigger your air conditioner turning on and off. A compressor failure would need to be diagnosed by a professional HVAC technician.
While no air conditioner is going to last forever, regular maintenance, repairs, and service appointments will help yours last much longer while operating much better. If your air conditioner turns on and off right away, don’t wait for it to not turn on at all.
Call John C. Flood at 703-214-5611 to contact our experts online for more information or to schedule your HVAC inspection.
