HVAC Blog

Have you noticed that your air conditioner is turning on to run a cooling cycle, shuts off a short time later, only to start back up again a few minutes after that?

If it seems like your air conditioning system is having trouble making up its mind, it’s likely an issue known as “short cycling.” If you discover that your AC is short cycling, it’s important to contact a reputable HVAC company as soon as possible, as short cycling can increase system wear and tear, lead to higher energy costs, and negatively impact comfort levels.

In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling discuss the causes of short cycling and what homeowners can do to fix this issue. For all of your home’s heating and cooling needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to Poston Brothers today.

What Causes an AC to Short Cycle?

In the worst-case scenario, short cycling can lead to complete AC failure, leading to an expensive repair or even premature AC system replacement. Some causes of short cycling, though, are as simple as changing out a dirty or clogged HVAC filter, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Here are some of the most common causes of AC short cycling:

Oversized AC Unit

Bigger isn’t always better in the case of air conditioning units. If your air conditioner is too big and powerful for your home, it will cool the house down too quickly and then shut down, which can lead to short cycling. An oversized air conditioner can also cause higher energy bills, uneven temperatures and humidity issues. Unfortunately, the only solution to fix this issue is replacing your existing unit with an appropriately sized AC.

Dirty or Clogged Air Filter

Regularly changing HVAC air filters is a simple DIY task that many homeowners, unfortunately, forget to perform. An air filter clogged with dirt, dust and other debris restricts airflow, causing the system to work harder than necessary. This places additional stress on the blower and compressor, which can cause them to overheat and ultimately lead to short cycling.

Low Refrigerant Levels

An air conditioner cannot perform its job properly if there are low levels of refrigerant, which is usually caused by a leak. Low refrigerant levels put more stress on your AC equipment which can damage components or cause the compressor to overheat, leading to short cycling. Recharging refrigerant levels is not a DIY job and should only be performed by a qualified HVAC technician.

Electrical Issues

Another common cause of short cycling is electrical problems. Damaged or defective wiring and control boards can cause your air conditioner to start and stop at incorrect times. If you believe an electrical issue is causing your system to short cycle, contact a professional to inspect the AC unit.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

Yes, evaporator coils can freeze up even on the hottest days of the year, leading to a short-cycling air conditioning system. The most common causes of frozen evaporator coils include a lack of airflow, typically the result of a clogged or dirty air filter, dirty coils or low refrigerant levels. Evaporator coils remove heat from a home, and when they’re restricted, the condensation on the evaporator can turn into ice, leading to short cycling. We recommend contacting an HVAC company to inspect and clean your system’s evaporator coils.

Contact Poston Brothers for All of Your Home’s Cooling Needs

Poston Brothers has a rich history of providing the residents of Burlington, KY with quality cooling services since 1929. If your air conditioner turns on, just to quickly turn off, don’t hesitate to contact the heating and cooling experts at Poston Brothers today.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient alternative to your current cooling system, you may want to consider the installation of a ductless air conditioner.

Ductless air conditioners, also referred to as ductless mini-split systems or ductless heat pumps, operate just as their name suggests – they don’t require ductwork to move conditioned air throughout your home. Ductless HVAC systems are gaining in popularity throughout Kentucky because of the many benefits they provide.

In our most recent blog, the HVAC technicians at Poston Brothers Heating & Cooling explain how ductless AC systems work and the benefits of having one installed in your Burlington, Kentucky or surrounding areas home.

How Do Ductless Air Conditioners Work?

Many of us understand how traditional central air conditioning systems operate. Central air conditioners consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor condensing unit, which work with a series of connected ducts to transport conditioned air throughout a home. When your home’s air is pushed into the indoor unit, the evaporator coils remove the heat from the air, and a blower pushes the cooled air back into your living areas.

Ductless air conditioners operate much differently. Instead of ductwork, mini-split heat pumps use individual air handling units which are installed on the walls in rooms. Each room can be controlled separately to create temperature “zones” throughout your home. One ductless AC unit can accommodate up to eight indoor units.

Each “zone” has its own fan and evaporator unit which are connected to the outdoor condenser via refrigerant lines. Air is cooled en route to the compressor before returning to the indoor unit to provide cooling.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Ductless Air Conditioner Installed?

The installation of a ductless mini-split air conditioner offers many advantages compared to a traditional AC unit. Some of the benefits include:

Easy Zoning

With traditional central air conditioners, the entire home is served by one unit. This can create comfort issues because certain areas of the home require more cooling than others, such as upstairs bedrooms during the hot summer months. Because each room is controlled by a separate thermostat, you can adjust the temperatures accordingly throughout the home. For example, if you like it cooler in your bedroom at night, but your son enjoys warmer temperatures, each can adjust the temperatures to fit their preferences.

Ideal for Various Applications

Ductless air conditioning systems can provide your entire home with cooling, or you can just focus on areas that are not part of your existing central cooling system. Although many homeowners elect to cool their entire home with a ductless mini-split, they are also ideal for the following applications:

• Older Homes – Ductless systems are a great heating and cooling solution for older homes that were not constructed with a ductwork system in place.
• Sun Rooms – Ductless mini-splits provide efficient year-round comfort.
• Outbuildings – Ductless units are great for guest houses and workshops.
• Garages – Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to work on your car without either sweating or freezing.
• New Additions and Remodels – Mini-splits are perfect for remodels, or new additions to the home.

Increased Energy Efficiency

Ductless air conditioning systems offer superior energy efficiency because you don’t have to cool rooms you rarely use, which can significantly lower monthly energy bills. The absence of ductwork also makes these systems incredibly efficient. According to Energy Star, as much as 20 to 30 percent of conditioned air that moves through a duct system is lost due to holes, leaks and poorly connected ducts, wasting energy and raising electricity bills.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

In central air conditioning systems, ductwork can collect dirt, dust and debris, which can eventually make their way into your home’s living areas. These particles can be especially harmful to those who suffer from asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are a great option when it comes to improving indoor air quality.

Ease of Installation

Installing a ductless cooling unit is much simpler than installing traditional HVAC systems, mainly because of the absence of ductwork. Indoor and outdoor units connect via conduit lines that require only a small three-inch hole through an exterior wall.

Contact Poston to Learn More About Ductless AC Systems

If you’re interested in learning more about ductless air conditioning systems, or you would like to have one installed in your Erlanger or Burlington, KY home, contact the heating and cooling professionals at Poston Brothers to schedule service.