Why is My AC Quickly Turning On and Off?

When an air conditioner (AC) starts and stops in quick cycles, and doesn’t run for long periods, this is known as short cycling. While this is a relatively common issue, it should not go unchecked. It is indicative of something being wrong with your air conditioner.

If you don’t do anything about it, you’ll end up paying more for electricity, and your unit could end up breaking, leading to an expensive replacement. Short cycling also decreases the longevity of your air system.

If your unit is short cycling, you should have it inspected as soon as possible to prevent any serious damage. Our team of specialists at West Mechanical have fixed plenty of short cycling air conditioners in our time. We’d be happy to conduct an inspection, pinpoint the issue, and perform a speedy repair. Call us at 360-734-7599 to speak to one of our air conditioning experts today.

Here’s a list of some of the most common factors that lead to short cycling to help you if you suspect it’s an issue at your home:

Your unit could be low on refrigerant.

Refrigerant liquid is found in the compressor of your air conditioner. In the air conditioning process, it is converted from liquid to gas, then back to liquid. This transformation cycle helps absorb heat and lower the temperature of the air.

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, this means there is a leak. Low refrigerant messes with the pressure control in your compressor and causes the machine to continuously reset. If you think your air conditioner may have a leak, you should contact a technician immediately, as this could pose a serious problem.

You may need to move your thermostat.

The thermostat is in constant communication with your air conditioner. When it detects high temperatures, it signals for the air conditioner to blow cool air. If a thermostat is placed right next to a vent or by a window, it can’t provide an accurate reading. For example, if you placed your thermostat directly in front of a vent, it would produce a much lower reading than the room’s actual temperature and cause the AC to end its cycle. Be sure you keep your thermostat in a location where it can provide the correct temperature reading.

Your air filter may be dirty.

Dirty air filters cause several problems with air conditioners. They prevent air from properly flowing, which can lead to frozen coils, and cause your conditioner to short cycle. Be sure to have your filters replaced regularly to maintain the condition of your unit.

Your air conditioner may be too big for your house.

If it’s too large for your home or workspace, an air conditioner will short cycle. This is because oversized air conditioners cool spaces much too quickly, before properly dehumidifying the air. Oversized HVAC systems can cause all sorts of problems and increase your energy bill. This is why our technicians at West Mechanical always perform a detailed inspection and make calculations to determine the ideal air conditioner for your space.

If your air conditioner is short cycling, contact us right away! We’re proud to serve you and your neighbors in Bellingham and Friday Harbor. Stay cool this summer!


Ballard Natural Gas Services is proud to offer services to Seattle, Shoreline, West Seattle, Capitol Hill, Lake Forest Park, Richmond Beach, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace and the surrounding communities. Call us at 206-784-8101 or request service online today!

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