Why Does Your Air Conditioner Turn On Every 5 Minutes?

Incorrectly Sized AC Unit

One of the most common reasons an air conditioner cycles on and off frequently is because it is the wrong size for the space it is cooling. If your AC unit is too small, it will have to work overtime to cool your home, which can lead to short cycling. Conversely, if your AC unit is too large, it will cool your home too quickly and then turn off before removing all the humidity.

Compressor Failure

If your AC system’s compressor is failing, it will also cause the system to short cycle. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the AC system, so the entire system will shut down if it fails. Be sure to have one of our professionals inspect your compressor and replace it if necessary.

Power Problem

Electrical fluctuations can cause thermostat reading issues. The current received by the AC will vary if the energy in the area is inconsistent and often changes, causing the AC to turn on approximately every five minutes.

Thermostat Location

The thermostat’s location can affect how often your AC cycles on and off. If the thermostat is located in a sunny spot or near a heat source, it will cause the AC to cycle on and off more frequently. Be sure to move the thermostat to a cooler location to avoid this.

Dirty Evaporator Coils

If your evaporator coils are dirty, they won’t be able to remove heat from your home effectively. Dirty coils cause your AC system to work harder and cycle on and off more frequently. Be sure to have one of our experts clean your evaporator coils regularly to help prevent this issue.

Limited Airflow

There is a possibility that the airflow will become obstructed due to dirty air filters, and the evaporator coil will freeze as a result. When the evaporator coil freezes, the air conditioning machine automatically turns on and off.