Month: April 2023

Imagine the following scenario: it is insufferably hot outside, and you go to turn on your AC unit. It turns on, gives you two or three minutes of relief, and then shuts off. So, you turn it on again, only for the same thing to happen. This problem you’re experiencing is called short cycling. This blog, written by expert HVAC service techs in Lake Magdalene, will discuss how short cycling is defined and its common causes. 

What is AC Short Cycling?

AC short cycling is a term used to describe a situation where an air conditioning (AC) system turns on and off frequently, often after operating for a couple of minutes. Instead of running in a continuous cycle, the AC unit may turn on, run for a short period, then turn off again before the desired temperature is reached.

Common Causes of Short Cycling

Understanding the causes of HVAC short cycling can help you prevent it from happening and extend the life of your HVAC system. Below, we break down the most common causes of short cycling. 

Incorrectly Sized System

An HVAC system that is too big for your home or building will heat or cool the space too quickly, causing the system to shut off before it can properly regulate the temperature. This can result in short cycling, as the system repeatedly turns on and off to try to maintain the desired temperature. 

On the other hand, if the HVAC system is too small for the home, it will overheat as it struggles to accommodate each room. Once it overheats, it will shut down before the home is cooled to the desired temperature. 

Having a licensed HVAC service in Lake Magdalene install your ac will ensure this issue doesn’t happen to you. Technicians can help scale your AC to the needs of your household to provide an efficient and smooth operation of the system. 

Dirty Air Filter

Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing the HVAC system to work harder to move air through the home. After a certain point, the AC will give out and short cycle. This is one of the many reasons we recommend checking your filters at least every 4-6 weeks. Doing so will ensure that your AC works as smoothly as possible. 

Refrigerant Leaks 

Leaking refrigerant causes the fluid levels to go down. When there isn’t enough refrigerant fluid, the system will short cycle. The compressor will be unable to compress enough fluid to cool the air to the desired temperature. As a result, the system will eventually shut down, perhaps completely. 

Watch out for signs like hissing sounds and liquid pooling around your unit. If you notice these signs, you will need to contact an HVAC service in Lake Magdalene to help repair the leak. 

Faulty Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your HVAC system to cycle on and off too frequently. This can occur when the thermostat is located in an area that experiences temperature fluctuations, such as near a window or in direct sunlight. The thermostat signals the ac system to turn on and off based on the temperatures it senses. The temperatures coming from a window will alter the thermostat’s perception, causing it to turn off too early or turn on when it isn’t necessary. 

Dirty Condenser Coils

Every now and then, the condenser coils of the HVAC unit must be cleaned of the debris and dirt they accumulate.  Dirty coils make it very hard for the air to be transferred from one component of the AC to the other. It wears on the compressor and causes it to short cycle as a result. To avoid this issue, regular maintenance visits are essential. 

Quality HVAC Services in Lake Magdalene

Do you need a repair or routine maintenance check of your HVAC unit? Contact Universal Air and Heat, the home of the very best technicians in the area. We will ensure that your AC is running smoothly and will last you for years.

As the temperature rise, it’s important to ensure your air conditioning unit is in good working condition. After all, no one wants to be caught in a heat wave with a malfunctioning AC unit!

As the leading air conditioning service in Davie, FL, we at Universal Air & Heat believe that one of the keys to AC maintenance is being aware of the common signs that indicate a need for repairs. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most common signs of repair to look out for that will help you fix the AC early before the issue grows into a bigger problem. 

Poor Air Flow 

Nothing will make you think about your AC repair tech faster than the lack of airflow in your AC unit. If the air coming out of your vents feels weak, it may indicate a clogged air filter, a damaged blower fan, or a faulty motor. Before calling for help, we recommend checking your air filters. Most of the time, cleaning out the air filter or replacing it will go a long way to restoring proper airflow in the house. 

However, clogged AC coils, air ducts, or a broken compressor can also cause little to no airflow from the vents. Unfortunately, these issues are not DIY projects you can tackle, as they require the assistance of a certified air conditioning service in Davie, FL. 

Strange Sounds 

Unusual sounds such as grinding, banging, or screeching can indicate a problem with your AC system’s motor or compressor. Here’s a brief breakdown of what these sounds usually indicate: 

  • Grinding: this sound is caused by word-out motor bearings that may need to be replaced.
  • Banging: caused by a loose blower wheel which will need to be secured back into place.
  • Screeching: produced by a worn-out or displaced motor belt.
  • Hissing: caused by a leak of refrigerant fluids
  • Clicking: this sound is normally caused by a faulty capacitor or a malfunctioning relay switch

If you hear any of these sounds, please do not hesitate to contact an air conditioning service in Davie, FL for assistance. 

Unpleasant Odors 

A musty or pungent smell coming from your AC unit could indicate the presence of mold, bacteria, or burnt-out wire insulation. These odors must be addressed in a timely manner because they indicate a potential problem with mold growth. As we all know, mold can and will grow into a hazardous threat to your health if it isn’t cleaned. 

But the most alarming smell to be aware of is when you smell something burning coming from the vents. At this point, you should shut down the unit immediately and call an emergency air conditioning service in Davie, FL. 

Warm Air 

If your AC unit is blowing warm air instead of cool air, you will need to contact a repair technician to diagnose the underlying problem. Normally the warm air is a sign of a refrigerant leak, a faulty compressor, or a broken condenser. But, clogged air filters can also be the culprit of this issue. Only a certified professional can help assess the full situation and restore your AC back to life. 

Increased Energy Bills 

If you’ve noticed a significant spike in your energy bills without any changes in usage patterns, it could be a sign of a faulty AC unit that’s working harder to cool your home. Here are some common reasons for your AC’s inefficiency: 

  • Dirty air filter
  • Clogged condenser coil
  • Low refrigerant 
  • Improperly sized unit
  • Duct leaks
  • Poor maintenance

These issues can normally be repaired, allowing the AC to return to its efficient and optimal operation. 

Stay Cool With the Help of Leading Air Conditioning Service in Davie, FL

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, give us a call and one of our expert technicians will come and take a look. As seasonal air conditioning technicians, we have the skills and equipment to quickly diagnose the problem and restore your AC back to its working condition. The sooner you have the issue repaired, the better it will be for the longevity of the unit. Call us today at 813-510-5667.