The summer heat can be intense and unbearable, making air conditioners necessary for many households. However, if your air conditioner suddenly turns off after 15 minutes, you may be wondering what the cause of this issue could be.
In this article, we will discuss why your mini-split AC may shut off after 15 minutes and the possible solutions to this problem. By understanding why this is happening, you will be able to identify the source of the issue and take the necessary steps to fix it.
What Does Air Conditioning That Cycles Briefly Mean?
Short cycling is the term used to describe when a heating or cooling cycle ends too rapidly, and the HVAC system frequently turns on and off. When air conditioners turn on and out repeatedly before lowering the temperature to the appropriate level, this is called short cycling.
Short cycling is problematic for several reasons, including higher energy costs and unwarranted damage to the HVAC system. Defective components, dirty or neglected systems, or malfunctioning pieces can contribute to short cycling. The causes of your air conditioner’s erratic on/off behavior and the most common causes of short cycling are discussed below.
Filthy Air Purifiers
During the hot summer months, you should replace the air filters in your central air conditioner about once a month. The airflow is constrained when the air filters become clogged with dust and animal dander. As a result, condenser coils can freeze, which may result in an early AC unit shutoff.
Evaporators Equipped with Cooling Coils
Your air conditioner’s evaporator tube removes heat from the interior air. The blower circulates this cooled air through the air vents. If frost and ice build up on the evaporator coils due to dirt or inadequate airflow, the device may stop functioning abruptly. Ventilation equipment must exert more effort to defrost the evaporator coil as the device overheats, which leads to wear and strain.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Heat is distributed outside during the summer by ventilation tubes outside the house. These coils are located in the outdoor unit of a central air conditioning system, typically mounted on a concrete slab with fins that mimic fans on top. The ability of the condenser coils to successfully conduct heat exchange may be hampered if they are dirty and covered in debris, grime, and dust. The result could be an early shutdown due to overheating of the gadget.
Low Refrigerant Levels
A substance that performs a heat exchange while moving through the coils of an air conditioner is known as a refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from your house during the sweltering summer and releases it through the condenser coils outside. It will be difficult for the heat exchange to work correctly if your refrigerant line breaks.
Outdated or Incorrectly Installed Thermometer
The schedule decides when to turn off your HVAC mini-split unit. The cooling cycle will finish early if the thermostat isn’t working correctly. An issue with the thermostat or an electrical problem, such as inadequate thermostat cabling, could be the root.
If the thermostat is installed incorrectly, your air conditioner may stop working. The thermostat may display a false reading indicating that the house has reached the desired temperature if positioned away from windows, close to an air vent, or on the shaded side of the building.
What Effect Does a Short-Cycle Air Conditioner Have?
Before the problem is completely understood, the mini split ac system may short cycle for weeks or months. You might need to take action to fix the problem if you observe that the air conditioner is not blowing cold air or if it frequently turns off after ten to fifteen minutes.
As a result of the AC system’s short cycling, the following impacts build-up: a rise in the humidity inside. Your home’s interior is cooled and dry thanks to your air conditioner. Rapid cycling of the AC system prevents moisture in the air inside. This might make condensation worse in humid local climes. You have increased energy costs. Your electric cost increases as your central air conditioner operates more quickly.
Short rotating heating and cooling systems are less effective and use more energy than fully working systems. Your central air conditioner will experience wear and tear. A typical air conditioner has a fifteen to twenty-year expiration life. When an air conditioner quickly cycles on and off for a prolonged period, the compressor and condenser parts deteriorate.
Conclusion
If your AC has issues, you should contact a professional HVAC technician immediately to diagnose and repair the issue. Taking the time to diagnose and repair the issue properly will ensure that your air conditioner will continue operating efficiently and reliably for years.
Always On Green Home are HVAC contractors specializing in Mini Split systems. We have over 20 years of experience and guarantee a wonderful experience at a competitive price every time. Contact us for your HVAC mini-split in Long Island!