Discussing HVAC System

What’s Short-Cycling, and Why is It Bad for Your HVAC System?

December 19, 2021

Your HVAC system accounts for a sizable chunk of your energy bills in Duval, FL. Therefore, it’s essential it functions efficiently. Sometimes, the HVAC system begins to run in quick bursts called short cycles that do little to change the temperature of your home. Here’s what short-cycling actually is and why it’s so bad for your HVAC system.

What’s Short-Cycling?

Short-cycling occurs when your system turns on, runs for only a short amount of time, then turns off again. This happens quite quickly and many times over the course of an hour. Anything more than 10 times an hour is too many and signals short-cycling instead of normal operation.

Potential HVAC Problems

Your system generates a large burst of energy when it turns on. When this happens too often, like with short-cycling, it wastes a lot of energy. This wears down your system prematurely and causes your energy bills to steadily rise as the problem worsens. This excess energy also has a negative impact on the environment.

Causes of Short-Cycling

Your system may begin to short-cycle for a variety of reasons. Some of them include:

  • Faulty flame sensor.
  • Clogged air filter.
  • Airflow issues.
  • Overheating.
  • Improperly sized ducts or system.

Signs Your HVAC System is Short-Cycling

The main sign of a short-cycling HVAC system is frequent startups and shutdowns. You may also notice rising bills or hot and cold spots throughout your home./p>

Short-cycling got you down? Don’t worry too much about it. Your system may only need simple repairs, which a trained HVAC professional can complete in a morning or an afternoon. Give us a call at Ed’s Comfort Solutions and set up a heating repair appointment today. We’re here to help you maximize indoor comfort and minimize energy costs throughout all the seasons of the year.

Image provided by iStock

You May Also Like

Is My Heat Pump the Wrong Size in Brunswick, GA?

Is My Heat Pump the Wrong Size in Brunswick, GA?

If your heat pump isn't the right size for your Brunswick, GA, home, you'll have to contend with a great deal of trouble. Depending on whether your system is too large or too small, it'll face its own problems, but each of them will be serious. Here are a few signs...

R32 vs. R454B Refrigerant: Switch Now to Save Big in the Future

R32 vs. R454B Refrigerant: Switch Now to Save Big in the Future

When cooling your Callahan, FL, home, your choice of AC refrigerant isn’t just a technical detail. It’s a decision that impacts efficiency, cost and sustainability. With R32 and R454B emerging as the leading replacements for older refrigerants, understanding their...

What to Do During an AC Breakdown in Yulee, FL

What to Do During an AC Breakdown in Yulee, FL

Considering the extreme summer heat in Yulee, FL, an air conditioner breakdown is always a serious problem. As unpleasant and harmful as it can be, you should never panic. Instead, we recommend that you take the following steps when you experience an AC breakdown:...

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close