Rheem Short Cycling / Control or Capacity Issue

Rheem air conditioner short cycles, turning on and off frequently without reaching set temperature.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Thermostat located in poor location (near supply vent or sunlight), Oversized Rheem condenser for the space, Low refrigerant charge causing freeze-up and cycling, Dirty evaporator coil or restricted airflow

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before accessing indoor components.

  • Check thermostat placement: Ensure the thermostat is not directly in the path of supply air, near exterior doors, or in direct sunlight. Relocation may be needed.
  • Clean filters and coils: Replace or clean filters and clean the indoor coil to restore proper airflow.
  • Observe operation: Run the system and watch for icing on the indoor coil or suction line. If icing occurs, turn system off and call a technician to check refrigerant charge.
  • Adjust thermostat settings: Increase the temperature differential (if available) to reduce cycling frequency.

Warning: Persistent short cycling can damage compressors. Do not ignore this symptom.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Rheem Thermostat / Indoor Evaporator Coil
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