Insignia Short Cycling / Improper Thermostat Operation

Unit turns on and off frequently (short cycling), running only for a few minutes at a time.

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Possible Causes

Thermistor located too close to cold air discharge, Dirty filter causing uneven temperatures, Oversized unit for room size, Faulty main control board temperature logic

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Unplug the unit before moving sensors or cleaning.

Steps to reduce short cycling:

  • 1. Check sensor placement: Locate the room temperature sensor behind the front grille. Ensure it is not directly in the cold air stream; reposition slightly away if possible.
  • 2. Clean filter and coils: A clogged filter can cause the sensor to see rapid temperature swings. Clean filter and evaporator coil.
  • 3. Adjust setpoint: Set the temperature a bit lower (for cooling) to reduce rapid on/off cycling.
  • 4. Room size check: If the Insignia AC BTU rating is much higher than the room size, short cycling is normal. Consider using a smaller unit for optimal comfort.
  • 5. Board replacement: If cycling is extreme and unrelated to room conditions or sensor placement, the main PCB thermostat logic may be faulty and require replacement.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Room Temperature Thermistor
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