As a pivotal component of your home’s comfort, the health of your HVAC systems should be a top priority. An issue commonly overlooked within your heater is that of short cycling. However, this issue is one of the most common problems homeowners will experience with their heating systems, and is likewise something to not overlook.
Here’s what you need to know about short cycling and what it means for your heating system.
What Is Short Cycling?
In the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) business, short cycling is a phrase used to describe when a heater or air conditioner cycles on and off too frequently. It signifies a problem in your heating system’s proper functioning and efficiency, in which it is not completing its heating processes. Not only an inefficient way to regulate the temperature inside your home, short cycling can also be a sign of major problems in your heating system.
What Causes Short Cycling?
Short cycling indicates a problem within a heater that is cutting off its heating cycle before it finishes. This can be caused by a range of issues, which vary in severity and necessary repair. The following are three of the most common problems associated with short cycling and what they mean.
- Refrigerant leaks: Refrigerant leaks in an heat pump system can result in a number of issues. When it begins to leak, one of the most notable indicators is short cycling. You’ll need repair professionals to fix this right away due to the fact that low refrigerant is an immediate risk to a compressor.
- Thermostat problems: The most common cause of an air conditioner’s early shutdown is a faulty thermostat telling it to do so. A thermostat that is incorrectly reading temperatures or is placed in a home where it receives sunshine or drafts can cause the compressor to cycle on and off at the wrong times. Luckily, technicians can usually adjust or replace the thermostat to resolve the issue.
- Clogged air filter: If the airflow through a heater’s filter is blocked by too much debris, the system won’t be able to produce heat effectively. It can even put the system at risk of overheating. Clogged filters should be replaced so the unit can function properly.
Why Short Cycling Is A Problem
Short cycling puts a lot of strain on your system’s mechanical components, as well as wastes energy. This means more expensive maintenance and energy expenses in the long run.
Overall, short cycling is really bad for your overall comfort, home’s energy-efficiency, and also your system’s operation, making it an essential problem to address should it arise.
Fixing Your System’s Short Cycling
Short cycling is a serious problem that has far reaching consequences to other parts of your heating system. It will shorten the expected lifespan of your system, driving up your monthly utility bill and costing you money in the long run.
The best way to prevent short cycling is by staying on top of regular maintenance with a specialist in order to catch problems early on. If you’re already experiencing short cycling, look into a repair. It is best to recruit a qualified HVAC technician to assess the situation for you.
Need heater repair in Hattiesburg, MS? Contact the experts at AirSouth Cooling and Heating today.
