How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before accessing sensors or coils.

Steps to reduce short cycling:

Clean coils and filter: Ensure both indoor and outdoor coils are clean and the filter is not restricting airflow.
Check sensor placement: Verify the room thermistor is in the return air stream, not touching the coil or near a cold air discharge.
Evaluate sizing: Compare the unit's BTU rating to the room size. If the unit is significantly oversized, it may short cycle by design.
Thermostat settings: For central systems, check thermostat cycle rate and differential settings; adjust to lengthen run times if possible.

If short cycling is due to high-pressure or low-pressure trips, a professional must diagnose refrigerant and compressor issues.

Amana air conditioner frequently turns on and off in short cycles (short cycling) without reaching the set temperature.

Possible Causes