When the Texas sun beats down on Forney, you count on your air conditioner to keep you cool. But what if it keeps quitting?
Sometimes, an AC will run for a few minutes, shut off, and then start up again. This is called short cycling. It’s a frustrating problem. More than that, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your system.
Short cycling can make your energy bills go up. It also puts a lot of stress on your AC, which can lead to a costly breakdown. And worst of all, it leaves your home feeling warm and stuffy.
At Bolton Heating & Air, we’re a local business that has fixed this exact issue for many of your neighbors in Forney. Let’s look at what causes short cycling and what you can do about it.
What is Short Cycling?
Your air conditioner is supposed to run in full cycles to cool your home properly. A full cycle removes both heat and humidity. Short cycling cuts this process short. The system turns on and off in quick, useless bursts. This constant stopping and starting is very damaging.
7 Top Reasons for AC Short Cycling in Forney
1. The Air Filter is Dirty
This is the number one cause. A clogged filter blocks airflow. Your AC can’t breathe. This makes it overheat and shut down as a safety measure. Forney has a lot of dust and pollen, so filters here get dirty fast.
- The Fix: Check your air filter every month. During the summer, you should plan to change it every 30-60 days.
2. Your System is Low on Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air. If it’s low, you have a leak. A leak causes pressure problems inside the AC, forcing it to shut down to protect its most important parts.
- Signs of a Leak: You might hear a hissing sound. You could see ice on the copper pipes. Or the air from your vents just won’t feel very cold.
- The Fix: This is a job for a professional. A certified HVAC technician needs to find the leak, fix it, and add the correct amount of refrigerant.
3. The Thermostat Isn’t Working Right
Your thermostat tells your AC what to do. If it’s broken or placed in a bad spot, it can give wrong readings. For example, if it’s in direct sunlight, it will think the room is hotter than it is and shut the AC off too soon.
- The Fix: Make sure nothing is making your thermostat think it’s hotter or cooler than the rest of the room.
4. Your AC is Too Big for Your House
Bigger is not always better with air conditioners. An oversized AC cools the air too fast. It hits the target temperature on the thermostat and shuts off. The problem? It didn’t run long enough to remove the humidity. This is common in Forney and leaves your home feeling cool but sticky.
- The Fix: This is a complex issue. A professional can perform a proper “load calculation” to see if your unit is the right size for your home.
5. The Evaporator Coils are Frozen
The indoor AC unit has coils that get very cold to absorb heat from your air. If they get too cold, ice can form. This ice block stops the air from flowing. Your AC will then shut down to prevent serious damage. A frozen coil is usually a symptom of another problem, like a dirty filter.
- The Fix: First, turn your AC system off to let the ice melt completely. Then, change the air filter. If it keeps happening, you need to call a pro.
6. There’s an Electrical Problem
Bad wiring or a failing part can cut power to the system. This causes it to shut down suddenly. Electrical issues can be dangerous.
- The Fix: Only a qualified technician should diagnose and fix electrical problems.
7. The Drain Line is Clogged
Your AC pulls a lot of moisture out of our humid Forney air. This water flows out through a drain line. If that line gets clogged with gunk, the water backs up. A safety float switch will then turn the whole system off to stop a water leak.
- The Fix: You might be able to clear the clog yourself. Find the pipe outside and use a wet/dry vacuum to suction it out. If that doesn’t work, it’s best to call for service.
Forney’s Climate Makes AC Problems Worse
Here in Forney, the heat and humidity push your AC to its limits. This extra strain makes issues like short cycling more likely to happen. The heavy clay soil in our area can also shift over time. This can tilt the concrete pad your outdoor unit sits on, which can affect how it runs. Regular check-ups are key.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Have you changed the filter and checked for simple problems? If your AC is still short cycling, it’s time to call for help. Don’t wait. Letting the problem continue can destroy your air conditioner.
The team at Bolton Heating & Air can find the real cause of the problem fast. We have the right tools and local experience to fix your AC right. We offer reliable AC repair all over the Forney area.
Frequently Asked Questions in Forney
Q: How much do AC repairs usually cost here?
A: It really depends on the problem. A minor fix might cost a couple of hundred dollars. A bigger repair, like fixing a refrigerant leak, will cost more. We always give you a clear price for approval before we start any work.
Q: Should I repair my old AC or just get a new one?
A: If your AC is over 10 years old and needs frequent, expensive repairs, it’s often smarter to replace it. A new, energy-efficient unit will save you money in the long run and be more reliable.
Q: How often does my AC need a professional tune-up?
A: We recommend a full tune-up every spring. This helps catch small problems before they become big ones and ensures your AC is ready for our Forney summers.
A short-cycling AC is a warning sign. Don’t ignore it.
Waiting will only lead to more stress and more expensive bills. Let us help you get back to being comfortable in your own home.
🛠️ Call Bolton Heating & Air today to schedule your AC repair in Forney, TX.
📞 Click here to book online or give us a call at (214) 909-7615.
Stay cool, Forney — we’ve got you covered.