New Unit Installed Today cycling every two minutes!

16 years ago

We were without air for a week and a half in horrid Alabama heat after our last one finally kicked the old bucket -- which experts here warned of.

So, with 12 estimates and a limited budget, we went with an American Standard 3 ton (everyone recommended 3 ton except 2 estimators who wanted to go with 3.5 ton)13 seer builders' grade unit which was a vast improvement over our 13 year old tempstar unit. Our new air handler is also American Standard.

It is short-cycling and I'm not sure if to call asap, or wait for a few days to see if it's affected by cooling the whole house down and removing excess humidity that's been building up for the past 11 days. It's approx. 100 degrees outside and the new digital thermostat is set for 75 degrees.

So, should I call asap or wait?

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Comments (3)

gocowboys
16 years ago
I was without AC for 10 days in June in east Texas with the temps in the high 90's with the humidity off the charts while I got quotes and decided which way to go. After the new AC was installed it ran for along time on and off to try and reach the hundity set point that had been chosen, 45% I think. The drain pipe outside was flowing water heavily for days because of the humidity that built up in the house over time. It was miserable for a while. That may be what is happening with your situation. Good luck to you and hope all turns out well.
tigerdunes
16 years ago
finz

Short cycling is not normal. What is your definition of short cycling? What size was your old AC? Is this a heat pump or an AC condenser? What size is your home? Is thermostat setting being met? I would call the installing dealer back out to your home?

Post mdl numbers of your condenser, air handler, and stat.

IMO
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udarrell_2007
16 years ago
Concerning summer design, Alabama does not show an ultra high humidity it averages around 45%, however it can vary widely due to prevailing weather conditions.

In order to condense the humidity from the air, long uninterrupted cycles through the heat absorbing e-coil are required.

Short cycling is counter to removing the humidity. Get a Percentage Relative Humidity gauge & let us know the readings.

Lowering airflow to around "350-CFM Per Ton of Cooling" also helps to increase the condensation rate; a 3.5-Ton would deliver 1225-CFM, 3-Ton 1050-CFM.

If the condenser's BTUH is too large, they should do a Manual J heat-gain & switch it out to the appropriate size, i.e., a 2.5 or 3-Ton condenser.

The evaporator can be a full ton larger & can work okay with piston orifice changes or using the correct tonnage range TXV.

Blower Speed airflow CFM can usually be adjusted to meet the application needs.

A 13-SEER is okay. I would NEVER settle for too large a condensing unit. udarrell _ 2007

Here is a link that might be useful: udarrell.com

New Unit Installed Today cycling every two minutes!

Comments (3)

gocowboys

tigerdunes

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