Why is my AC cycling too often?

Author: Mrs. Lexie Brekke MD  |  Last update: Monday, September 8, 2025

If the AC turns on and quickly shuts off again within a couple of minutes, there might be a major issue causing your unit to short cycle. Short cycling often happens due to overheating, but it can also occur due to faulty, malfunctioning, or worn-out components, this is where our AC repair services come in.

Is it normal for AC to cycle every 10 minutes?

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.

Why is my AC cycling on and off constantly?

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.

How do I keep my AC from short cycling?

How To Stop and Prevent Short-Cycling
  1. Check your air filter. Believe it or not, a clogged air filter can cause a wide variety of air conditioning issues. ...
  2. Check your thermostat placement. ...
  3. Check your air conditioner's refrigerant levels. ...
  4. Replace the low-pressure control switch. ...
  5. Check the compressor.

How often should AC cycle on off?

Understanding how often your AC should turn on and off can help you maintain a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Ideally, your AC should cycle two to three times per hour during normal weather conditions.

Fix AC Short Cycling Issue IMMEDIATELY [6 Solutions]

Is it bad for my AC to run constantly?

An undersized air conditioning system most commonly manifests as an air conditioner that never stops running. When this occurs, cooling coil pressure will start to drop before freezing over, which could damage your AC's compressor.

What is considered short cycling?

Short cycling occurs when an air conditioning system starts a cooling cycle, shuts down prematurely and then starts back up a short time later. In other words, it's turning on and off too rapidly without fully completing a cycle.

How do I know if my thermostat is causing short cycling?

Turn your thermostat on and wait 15 minutes before comparing temperature readings. If the difference between what your thermostat says and what the thermometer says is more than a degree, your thermostat may need to be recalibrated.

Why does my AC turn on and off every 5 minutes?

Poor Airflow

If something blocks the flow of air, your AC needs to go into overdrive to make up for it, which could result in it overheating. And when your AC overheats, it shuts off to give the system a chance to cool down. Once cool, it turns back on again, and the vicious cycle of short cycling continues.

How to diagnose AC short cycling?

You can identify AC short cycling from the air conditioning unit, turning itself on and off constantly. If you notice this occurring, it is important to address air conditioner short cycling problems as they can lead to complete AC unit failure.

Why does my AC keep turning off and on by itself?

A malfunctioning or faulty AC thermostat can cause your air conditioner to turn off by itself. It may switch quickly between off and on in short intervals, called “short cycling.” If the thermostat is not accurately sensing the room temperature, it may mistakenly signal the cooling to shut off prematurely.

Can a bad capacitor cause short cycling?

AC Unit Turning On and Off Frequently (Short Cycling)

As the capacitor starts degrading, it may provide just enough oomph to briefly turn the system on before conking out.

How to check refrigerant level in AC?

Steps for Checking Refrigerant Levels
  1. Turn Off the AC and Remove the Cover. Turn off the AC unit and remove the cover to access the refrigerant level gauge or gauges.
  2. Locate and Remove the Access Panel. ...
  3. Attach Refrigerant Pressure Gauges. ...
  4. Interpret Pressure Levels. ...
  5. Add Refrigerant (if Necessary)

Why does my AC cycle on and off so much?

One of the most common reasons why an AC unit may short cycle is that its air filter is dirty or clogged. Your AC air filter has the important duty of trapping airborne contaminants before they can get cycled into the system and around your home.

Does AC need to rest?

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.

Can a clogged drain line cause short cycling?

As an air conditioner runs, it collects moisture as condensation, which must be drained away from the system. If this drain is clogged, the moisture can build up and lead to a frozen coil. That, in turn, can cause short cycling.

Why does my AC keep turning on and off every 10 seconds?

There are 3 common causes for short cycling:

Low refrigerant/Freon. Oversized air conditioner. Poorly located thermostat.

How to tell if a thermostat is bad?

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.

How to unclog an AC drain?

To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.

How do I stop my HVAC from short cycling?

If your air filter is clogged or dirty, it can block airflow and make your system work harder, leading to overheating and an early shutdown. Cleaning or replacing your filters regularly is a good idea and a necessary part of your regular HVAC maintenance to keep everything running smoothly.

How do I know if my cycling thermostat is bad?

If the cycling thermostat switches off, or displays no electrical continuity, within five percent of that temperature, the part is functioning properly. However, if the thermostat does not switch off, or switches off prematurely, you will have likely identified the culprit behind your dryer malfunctioning.

Is one way to determine if short cycling is occurring?

This means the compressor will run for 10 minutes, stop for 10 minutes, and repeat the cycle two more times during a single hour. You can tell a system that's short cycling when it turns on and off three times in five to ten minutes.

What is the 75 rule in cycling?

The 75-percent rule states that during a given training week, at least 75 percent of your miles (or time) should be at or below 75 percent of your maximum heart rate (MHR).

How long should AC stay off between cycles?

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.

Can a bad thermostat cause AC short cycling?

Your thermostat could also cause the HVAC system to cycle on and off rapidly, a process known as short cycling.

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