In Singapore, air conditioners are more of a necessity than a luxury. When the weather reaches an uncomfortable level, the cool breeze from the air conditioner makes staying at home more convenient. That’s why we don’t want any malfunctions to happen.
If your air conditioner keeps turning on and off by itself, it could be going through what we call short cycling. A short cycle occurs when the cooling cycle is shorter than it intends to be. This can cause the AC compressor to turn on and off more often. This premature turning on and off can wear your compressor more often and may cause damage to your unit in the long run. There are many factors that you should check to find the root of the problem. Don’t panic, because when the problem is detected at an earlier stage, you can avoid damage and costly repairs.
What Causes Your Air Conditioner to Turn On By Itself?
Thermostat Settings
Thankfully, not all air conditioner issues are fixed by repairs. Sometimes, the short cycling is caused by incorrect thermostat settings, which can be easily corrected. If your AC unit is turning on by itself, check your thermostat and set the settings according to your room’s requirements. Also, make sure that the batteries in your thermostat are working.
Inaccurate Thermostat Readings
Your thermostat may read the temperature of your room inaccurately and cause fluctuations if it is positioned near heat-producing appliances or direct sunlight. If your thermostat is positioned near the window, you may use some blinds or curtains that are thick enough to prevent direct sunlight from affecting the thermostat.
Additional Tip:
Addressing an aircon turning on and off by itself often doesn't require extensive repairs. Incorrect thermostat settings are a common culprit; ensuring they match your room's needs and checking the batteries can resolve the issue. Equally important is the thermostat's location. If placed in areas with abnormal temperature variations—like direct sunlight, near windows, or close to appliances—it may misinterpret the actual room temperature, leading to frequent on-off cycles. Relocating it to a central spot away from these extremes can enhance accuracy and prevent unnecessary cycling.
Dirty Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts the airflow of your air conditioner and affects its ability to clean the air. If the air filter continues to be clogged, the coils may freeze and cause short-circuiting. Regular cleaning or changing of your air filter will go a long way in protecting your air quality and the efficiency of your air conditioner unit.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Your condenser is located outside, which makes it prone to receiving direct sunlight, dust, and other debris that can affect its quality. Dirty condenser coils may overheat and struggle, which can cause more damage. The best way to prevent this is to conduct regular cleaning and maintenance.
Air Conditioner is Too Big for the Space
In terms of buying an air conditioner, bigger is not always better. If your AC unit is bigger than what your room needs, it will also be too powerful and will cool down your room quicker. This will cause the unit to shut off quickly, even after turning on. This may not help address the humidity in your area and may cause your air conditioner to wear out faster.
Different room sizes have various air conditioning requirements. When shopping for an air conditioner, it’s worth understanding what the best size will be to fit your room's requirements.
Refrigerant Leak
The refrigerant is an important part of the air conditioner. Leaks from your air conditioner are not part of the cooling process. Instead, refrigerant leaks may cause bigger problems, even for your health. If your AC unit is low on refrigerant, the compressor will malfunction and turn on and off prematurely.
Refrigerant leaks must be fixed by professionals, as they can be dangerous.
Faulty Air Compressor
A faulty air compressor can overheat and cause your unit to turn on and off frequently. We highly recommend seeking professional assistance once you notice your air compressor turning on and off every two to three minutes to avoid frequent wear and tear.
Your Air Conditioner Needs General Cleaning and Maintenance
Dirty air filters, faulty air conditioner parts, and other issues can be avoided with regular air conditioner maintenance. HVAC professionals run thorough inspections to make sure that your unit is still running at its peak. Repairs and tune-ups can also be done promptly to prevent bigger damage.
Conclusion
The constant shutting off and turning on of your air conditioner can increase your energy consumption and put a strain on even the best aircon on the market. Is your room not cooling down anymore? Is your electricity bill rising? Short cycling might be the reason. Spot the problems as early as possible to save you money and prevent future hassles.
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