Goodman
Short Cycling / Improper Control or Capacity
Goodman air conditioner short cycles (turns on and off frequently)
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Possible Causes
Thermostat located near supply vent or heat source, Oversized Goodman AC system, Low refrigerant charge causing freeze/thaw cycles, Faulty thermostat or anticipator settings
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power before moving thermostat wiring or opening equipment.
Steps to check:
- 1. Thermostat location: Ensure the thermostat is not directly in the path of a supply register, in direct sunlight, or near appliances that generate heat. If it is, consider relocating with the help of a professional.
- 2. Check thermostat settings: Disable any extreme energy-saver or adaptive recovery modes that may cause rapid cycling. Ensure temperature swing/differential is set to a reasonable value (e.g., 1–2°F).
- 3. Replace thermostat batteries: Weak batteries can cause erratic operation.
- 4. Inspect air filter and coil: Dirty filters or coils can cause icing and short cycling. Replace filters and have coils cleaned if needed.
When to call a professional: If short cycling continues, a technician should check refrigerant charge, system sizing, and control board operation.
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Repair Difficulty
Easy
2/5
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