AC Keeps Turning On and Off: Discover 7 Ways to Prevent It
September 15th, 2022We know how important cooling your home is in Hawaii. An AC turning on and off can indicate a concerning problem. Of course, this is not always the case; there could be a simple DIY fix for your AC system.
The start and stop AC cycling you notice has a name: short cycling. This type of HVAC malfunction typically results from your air conditioner overworking itself.
Here are the most common causes of short cycling, as well as possible methods of prevention.
What Is Short Cycling?
The term “short cycling” describes a situation in which your HVAC unit turns on and off repeatedly before completing an entire cycle. An AC cycle is complete at the point when the unit turns off after reaching your desired temperature. There are several reasons for short cycling; luckily, routine maintenance can help avoid most malfunctions.
Electrical Malfunctions
A thermostat is the control center for the entire HVAC system. When the electrical signals between a thermostat and an air conditioner unit are damaged, the AC unit turns on and off repeatedly without completing a cycle.
If changing the batteries on your thermostat doesn’t fix the problem, give our HVAC experts at Island Comfort a call for assistance.
Other electrical malfunctions include issues with circuit boards, the compressor, and run capacitors. Each failure can ultimately result in a damaged HVAC system as the unit overworks to balance the temperature.
Thermostat Location
The cause of your AC turning on and off could be the wrong thermostat location. Suppose a previous homeowner placed the thermostat near a window, air vents, or along the back wall of your kitchen. In that case, you will likely have problems maintaining a consistent temperature.
Your AC continues to cycle on and off when inaccurate temperature data is transmitted from the thermostat. If you believe this may be the cause of your AC troubles, contact your HVAC to discuss moving the thermostat to a more central location.
Oversized HVAC Unit
An oversized air conditioner can cause short cycling. In this instance, as the AC cools a smaller space at an excessive rate, the desired temperature is achieved too quickly, and the unit turns on and off more frequently. While this may not seem serious, internal components can become damaged due to excessive wear and tear.
If your air conditioner keeps turning on and off despite regular maintenance, it’s possible your AC wasn’t sized correctly for your home.
Call your local HVAC technician to assess the size of your AC in relation to the square footage of your home. A professional installation should include a complete evaluation to avoid installing the wrong size AC.
7 Ways to Prevent Short Cycling
Short cycling continuing for long periods can lead to increased utility bills, damaged equipment, and decreased AC lifespan. It is important to know how an air conditioner works and what can cause it to turn on and off continuously.
Below are seven ways to ways to troubleshoot and prevent an AC turning on and off repeatedly.
1) Check air filters
Check for dirty filters monthly. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, which causes your AC unit to work harder. The more contaminated the filter, the more likely you’ll notice your air conditioner turns on and off repeatedly.
2) Clean or replace condenser coils
If there is a buildup of dirt or debris in the coils, this also restricts airflow. Watch for leaves blowing into your air vents during the fall season, and clean them out during this time of year.
3) Add insulation
Adding insulation to your home prevents warm air from leaking out of your home and escaping into the air conditioning system. This is important because, if this happens, it causes your AC to turn off more often due to a lack of cool air.
4) Clean the register
Dust and dirt build up on the vent registers, so make sure to clean them out every few months to prevent this issue. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or duct tape.
5) Get an air purifier
Air purifiers filter the air in your home and remove any pollutants causing your AC to turn on and off constantly. Clean indoor air quality means less debris passing through your air filters and reaching your evaporator coils.
6) Check for refrigerant leaks
You may have a leak if your AC unit isn’t blowing cold air at all. Refrigerant has no odor or color, making it difficult to detect. Even the most mechanically-inclined DIYer doesn’t typically possess the knowledge or tools to locate a refrigerant leak. The good news is that your HVAC technician is equipped to discover and resolve this issue quickly.
7) Inspect evaporator coils
Evaporator coils work by absorbing heat and releasing that heat outside. When these coils freeze up, they can no longer do their job. Frozen coils can be caused by poor airflow, a faulty control board, or a refrigerant leak.
Inspecting evaporator coils can be tricky, but removing the panel that encloses the coils can allow a visual inspection. Again, this is a task easily performed by your HVAC technician.
Stay Cool: Call the Pros
At Island Comfort, we understand how imperative it is that your air conditioner functions correctly at all times. Our professional team ensures that all AC repairs exceed your expectations.
Contact us at (888) 781-0364 for more information regarding AC services and other products.
4 Reasons Why an AC Tune-Up Can Help You Save Money
October 12th, 2021An AC tune-up is much more than an opportunity to learn more about the operation of your unit. Reputable AC services make it their mission to ensure that your air conditioner remains fully functional. Likewise, they make sure to help your AC to exceed its projected lifespan. An air conditioner tune-up will not only keep your unit running smoothly but will save you tons of money in the long run!
The sweltering heat of Hawaii can cause major inconveniences to the proper operation of your system. That’s why it’s so important to schedule regular maintenance! By doing so, you’ll ensure to make the most out of your AC investment. The workload of air conditioners in Hawaii can potentially cause problems for your HVAC unit and your wallet if you don’t schedule regular maintenance.
Our specialists have created a list of the top four reasons an AC tune-up can help save you money! Familiarizing yourself with these benefits will serve as a reminder of why AC maintenance is an integral part of saving money!
1. Expect Lower Utility Bills
The costs of electricity bills in Hawaii can reach unthinkable heights given the almost year-round heatwave. Such heavy demand can cause many issues with your unit, including an increase in kilowatt usage. These increases in energy consumption can lead to monumental electric bills.
Although your HVAC unit most likely runs constantly, your system may have to work even harder if it isn’t in optimal working condition. This will drive up your electric bill even more. Regular tune-ups will keep your unit functioning properly and save on energy consumption.
2. Enjoy a More Comfortable Indoor Climate
When your AC is working optimally, it’s much easier to reach the desired indoor temperature. Dirty or clogged filters, leaks, damaged components, and other malfunctions can lead to unwanted indoor temperatures. This is why it’s so important to schedule regular maintenance from a certified professional.
3. Extend the Life of Your AC
The expected lifespan of an air conditioner ranges from 10 to 15 years. This age range is only obtainable when the system receives proper maintenance regularly. If you don’t take good care of your unit, it will die much sooner and you’ll be left having to spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on a brand new system. Be sure to schedule regular maintenance annually or even every six months to ensure that your system lasts for its projected life expectancy.
4. Ensure The Functionality of Your AC
In Hawaii, it’s imperative to have a fully functional air conditioner year-round. Many people experience periods of the year without a working AC because they fail to schedule a regular AC tune-up. If you want to remain comfortable in your home all year and not feel the effects of a dysfunctional AC, it’s best to rely on a local expert technician for regular maintenance. A certified specialist will always be sure to inspect and assess every aspect of your unit and provide you with an itemized list of what needs repairs.
Does Your AC Need A Tune-Up?
No problem! Island Comfort is a family-owned, certified, professional AC service that has been lending a helping hand to the communities of Oahu and Kauai for years! Our licensed and expert technicians have experience in all facets of AC maintenance and would love to show you why we are considered a five-star service! Contact us today for a tune-up!
4 Ways To Avoid AC Repair Scams
September 7th, 2021No one likes a scammer! The most irritating thing about them is their ability to disguise themselves as trustworthy industry professionals. Therefore, we have conjured up some tips that will help you to avoid AC repair scams. You work hard for your money, and you’ve chosen to invest it in an air conditioner that should be reaping benefits, not drawing more money out of you.
Not only have we cultivated some tips on how to avoid scams regarding AC repairing, but we will also be providing some insight regarding how to properly vet AC services that are truly professional. Understanding the key differences between a trustworthy company and one that isn’t is the best way to avoid services that are simply after one thing: your money.
We’ve devised this list to help you protect your assets, and ultimately choose AC services that will be right for you. Let’s dive into it!
1) Make Sure That the Company Is Certified
Any reputable AC company should have no problem showing you their certifications. Therefore, make sure that the company you choose is licensed, bonded, and insured. This information is relatively easy to check online. Likewise, most companies should have their license number and other certifications listed on their website. The best companies are typically accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If you live on Oahu or Kauai, then Island Comfort is the right choice for you.
2) Avoid Up-Selling Tactics
It can be easy for those with minimal knowledge of the working components of an air conditioner to be up-sold. But, don’t let this happen to you! Making unnecessary replacements for parts that are still in working condition is a common tactic that some AC services use in order to raise their price. Be sure to do your research and solicit a reasonable explanation from the technician as to why certain parts require replacement. In some cases, companies will have a blog for the sole purpose of educating their current and potential clients. Be sure to do your homework!
2) Avoid Up-Selling Tactics
It can be easy for those with minimal knowledge of the working components of an air conditioner to be up-sold. Don’t let this happen to you! Making unnecessary replacements for parts that are still in working condition is a common tactic that some AC services use in order to raise their price. Be sure to do your research and solicit a reasonable explanation from the technician as to why certain parts require replacement. In some cases, companies will have a blog for the sole purpose of educating their current and potential clients. Be sure to do your homework!
3) Refrigerant “Recharging” Is a Scam
Refrigerant runs in a closed loop between the outside condenser/compressor unit and the indoor evaporator unit. The only scenario in which you would need to add more refrigerant to your central air conditioner is if your unit is leaking coolant. Aside from this instance, refrigerant never needs to be “recharged” or “topped-off”. If your technician recommends “recharging”, it’s a red flag. This is especially true if your technician is disregarding leaks and other potential malfunctions for the sole purpose of selling you on more coolant.
4) Avoid Any Solicitation
Many AC companies hire cold-callers to pitch their services. These cold-callers are usually third-party solicitors with no affiliation with the company. Companies will utilize this marketing tactic when business is slow. This should prompt the question: “Why is their business slow?” Well, in most instances, the company has yet to become established in the community. Or, the company’s previous clients have had such bad experiences with their service that the company’s name has been tarnished. Either way, avoid any forms of solicitation. This is a surefire way to avoid poor service.
Choosing an Established Company
Finding the right company for AC repairs can be overwhelming at times, but it doesn’t have to be! At Island Comfort, we offer a personal touch with every timely service that we provide to our Oahu and Kauai community members. Also, we are fully certified, accredited, licensed, and ready to solve all of your AC-related issues! We pride ourselves on our experience, knowledge, and professionalism. If you require AC repairing or would like to speak with one of our specialists, contact us today!