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prevent aircon short cycling

7 Ways to Prevent Aircon Short Cycling in Singapore

In Singapore’s scorching heat, it is essential to prevent aircon short cycling. Air conditioning is essential in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. However, if your aircon frequently turns on and off in a short span, it may be experiencing short cycling.

This issue reduces cooling efficiency, increases electricity costs, and causes an unnecessary burden on your aircon system. There can be various reasons for short cycling and some of them include thermostat placement, dirty filters, and refrigerant issues. Here are seven effective ways to prevent aircon short cycling.

How to Prevent Aircon Short Cycling?

Preventing aircon short cycling in Singapore is crucial to maintain the indoor comfort and cooling efficiency of the aircon system. LS Aircon Servicing Singapore explains the top seven ways to prevent aircon short cycling in Singapore.

Moreover, if you are clueless about the problem with your aircon, you can hire them for their professional aircon repair, aircon relocation, and aircon general services at the most affordable prices.

1. Ensure Proper Thermostat Placement

The thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating your aircon’s cooling cycle. If it is placed in an unsuitable location, it can misread the temperature and cause the system to turn on and off too frequently.

Therefore, do not place the thermostat near heat sources as this can cause inaccurate readings. Instead, install it in a central location for consistent temperature regulation.

preventing aircon short cycling

2. Clean or Replace Air Filters Regularly

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, and force the aircon to work harder and overheat. This problem leads to short cycling. To prevent this, check the air filters at least once a month and clean or replace them every one to three months. Regular maintenance ensures smooth airflow and prevents unnecessary strain on the system.

3. Maintain the Right Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is essential for your aircon to cool effectively. If levels are too low due to a leak, the compressor will struggle to maintain the desired temperature. This causes the system to shut down and restart frequently. Signs of a refrigerant problem include weak cooling performance, hissing noises, and ice buildup on the evaporator coils.

If you suspect an issue, contact a professional technician to inspect and refill the refrigerant. This is a problem that always needs professional attention. It is unsafe to adopt a DIY approach for refrigerant issues.

4. Keep Aircon Coils Clean

Both the evaporator and condenser coils help with heat exchange. If they become covered in dust, the aircon will struggle to function efficiently. This will ultimately cause short cycling. Regular cleaning of the coils can shop aircon short cycling if the reason is a dirty coil.  

5. Avoid Using an Oversized Aircon

If your aircon is too powerful for the room size, it will cool the space too quickly and shut off before completing a full cycle. This rapid start-stop process increases the burden on the compressor and energy consumption.

When you choose an aircon, ensure it has the right BTU capacity for your room size. If short cycling is a persistent issue, use an inverter aircon system, which adjusts its cooling output gradually instead of turning on and off abruptly.

how to prevent aircon short cycling

6. Check for Electrical Issues

Electrical problems can interrupt the aircon’s power supply and cause frequent shutdowns. Warning signs of electrical problems include flickering lights when the aircon starts, a burning smell, and the unit randomly turning off. If you notice any of these issues, seek professional assistance immediately to inspect and repair the wiring.

7. Schedule Regular Aircon Servicing

Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent aircon short cycling and ensure your unit operates efficiently. Professional servicing includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, cleaning aircon components, and calibrating the thermostat. It’s recommended to schedule servicing at least twice a year to detect and fix potential problems before they become too big.

Conclusion

Homeowners in Singapore must know to prevent aircon short cycling to avoid compromising their comfort in Singapore’s heat. Short cycling affects cooling efficiency and shortens your aircon’s lifespan. By taking preventive measures, you can keep your aircon running efficiently and enjoy a comfortable home in Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short cycling refers to an aircon’s cooling cycle being shorter than normal. On hot days, it typically runs for about 10 minutes before stopping for another 10 minutes, while on cooler days, the pauses last longer. During short cycling, the aircon turns on and off very frequently.
Short cycling occurs when a heater shuts off its heating cycle prematurely. This usually signals an underlying issue. This can result in various problems. The severity and solutions of these problems can vary.
If your furnace repeatedly turns on and off in a continuous loop, it is experiencing short cycling. This happens when the system is unable to complete a full heating cycle. This can be due to oversizing of the unit or a thermostat fault and misplacement.