What commonly causes short-cycling in an AC system?

Short-cycling in an air conditioning system refers to the unit frequently turning on and off in short intervals, rather than running a complete cycle. This can lead to increased wear and tear on the system, decreased efficiency, and higher energy costs.

Thermostat issues are a common cause of short-cycling. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or incorrectly calibrated, it may send the signal to turn the AC on and off too frequently without allowing the system to reach the desired temperature. For example, if the thermostat is placed in an area that does not accurately reflect the temperature of the space being cooled, it might read the temperature as being higher than it actually is, prompting the system to cycle on unnecessarily.

Other options, while they may affect the overall performance of the system, do not directly contribute to the rapid starting and stopping characteristic of short-cycling. High refrigerant levels could lead to other operational issues, but they wouldn’t be a primary contributor to short-cycling. Old air filters can restrict airflow and possibly cause the system to become inefficient, but they typically result in prolonged cycles rather than short ones. Poor insulation can lead to temperature inconsistencies within the space but doesn’t directly trigger an AC system to turn off and on rapidly