Rapid cycling is one of the most common heating and cooling system problems homeowners experience. This problem often results in a home that’s too hot or too cold. Here are three reasons your Gallatin, TN, HVAC system keeps turning on and off.
Thermostat Problem
Check your thermostat to verify its settings. If you have a smart thermostat, make sure that it’s connected to your home’s WiFi. A power outage or router problem could have disconnected the thermostat from the Wi-Fi. A recent power outage or power surge could have damaged your thermostat. Thermostat problems should be repaired by an experienced HVAC company technician.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty or clogged air filter could also be the reason your system is short cycling. An obstructed filter doesn’t allow the warmed or cooled air to pass through. This means that the temperature in your home’s living spaces won’t reach the setting on your thermostat. The thermostat keeps signaling to the heating or cooling system to turn on until the temperature is reached. Locate the filter, which is usually in a metal housing. If the filter’s pores are clogged, replace it with a clean filter. Air filters should be checked every 30 days and replaced every 90 days or sooner if they’re dirty.
Refrigerant Leak
If your central air conditioning system or heat pump has short and rapid cycles, it could be due to a refrigerant leak. The chemical refrigerant must maintain a certain pressure within the system. A leak causes the pressure to drop. This activates the low-pressure safety switch, turning the system off. Once the system is off, the pressure rises again, allowing it to turn on. This rapid cycling could result in major damage and requires a prompt HVAC repair.
For more information about why your HVAC system is turning on and off, check out Derryberry’s Heat & Air’s HVAC repair services or call today.