It is most likely that the air filter is almost totally clogged, OR the system has a refrigerant leak and is low on refrigerant and tripping its low pressure cut off switch. If the air filter is clogged with dirt, replace it. We can go from there if needed.
You do have to worry if your AC regularly shuts off in under 10 minutes, as this indicates it is short cycling. Another sign that your AC is short-cycling is if it frequently shuts off before the thermostat registers the correct temperature.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
If the wiring between the AC and the thermostat is faulty, or if the thermostat is miscalibrated, your AC may begin to short cycle. Your thermostat may not properly register the temperature inside your home, forcing the AC to repeatedly start and stop in order to reach the desired temperature.
If you have noticed that your air conditioner has been turning on and off as frequently as every 10 minutes, your system is most likely in need of repair due to “short-cycling.” Short-cycling is when a system turns on and off abruptly and often.
The system will turn off prematurely and then quickly turn back on in an attempt to reach the set temperature. The thermostat will incorrectly tell the unit that the set temperature was reached or vice versa. A miscalibrated thermostat puts lots of strain on the HVAC system and can be a difficult problem to notice.
Air conditioning is meant to come on and stay on for at least 10 to 15 minutes, often much longer. If your AC continues to turn off after 15 minutes or less every single time, or even just minutes after it first kicks on, your unit is “short cycling.” This means you may need repairs to your air conditioning unit.
The system will often complete a full cycle every 15 to 20 minutes, then turn off for up to 10 minutes before turning back on. Following this process, the system should turn on and off about three times every hour. Is your system doing more than that? Perhaps it is doing so less often than you think it should.
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.
Short Cycle Reason: Dirty Filter Obstructs Airflow
If you ignore an air conditioner that stops and starts due to a dirty filter, you risk permanent damage or major air conditioner repairs. What to do: Check your furnace filter – if it is covered in contaminants, replace it with a new filter.
Several issues can cause short cycling, such as an oversized HVAC system, a clogged air filter, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Low refrigerant levels or a blocked evaporator coil can also force the system to shut down prematurely.
Central AC Short Cycling
Homeowners spend between $75 and $600 to deal with short cycling issues in their central AC systems.
Short cycling is a serious issue for several different reasons. Not only will it affect your AC's ability to keep your home cool, but it also stresses the entire system. This can result in major repairs or cause your AC unit to burn out entirely.
Check your air conditioner's filter. A clogged filter can cause the breaker to trip by overloading the circuit. Replace or clean it if needed. Look for any signs of damage on the wiring leading up to the AC unit.
Dirty air filters, loose electrical connections, and frozen evaporator coils are among the most common things that lead to short cycles. You may be able to resolve sources of short cycling yourself, while other causes will require a professional repair.
You can adjust the CPH's (cycles per hour) in the thermostat installation settings. This will increase run times and will result in a wider temp swing with increased humidity removal.
Short cycling is a common issue that can affect the performance of an HVAC system. It occurs when the compressor, the main component of an HVAC system, turns on and off more frequently than it should. This places extra strain on the unit, leading to higher energy costs and uneven temperatures throughout the home.
Replacing a Thermostat. You'll pay between $15 and $300 for the unit in addition to labor ($65 to $100 per hour) to replace an old thermostat with a new one. However, installing a brand-new thermostat is more involved and, therefore, more expensive.
Posted on May - 25 - 2022. The air conditioner should turn on and stay on for at least 10 to 15 minutes if not much more. If your air conditioner continues to turn off after 15 minutes or less, or even only minutes after turning on, it is short cycling. Short cycling should always be addressed and corrected.
Allowing your air conditioner to rest is an excellent way to extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently throughout the years. Air conditioners, like homeowners, require rest in order to recover and perform optimally.
Even if you prefer leaving your air conditioner running when you're home, we recommend turning your system off anytime you leave the house for more than an hour or two. This practice can lower your energy bill and save you money in other ways.
Your air conditioner may be short cycling because it is repeatedly starting up then overheating (and shutting down) due to a bad compressor, dirty filters, dirty coils, low refrigerant, or frozen coils. An overcharged system will cause liquid Freon to get into your compressor and cause it to malfunction.
Each cycle's length depends on the thermostat settings. Once the AC completes a cycle of about 15 and 20 minutes, it should remain off for 7 to 10 minutes. This helps it cool off before starting another cycle. The stops happen 2 to three times per hour.