What can cause a refrigeration compressor to short cycle?

Short cycling of a refrigeration compressor occurs when the compressor frequently turns on and off in a short period, rather than running for a sustained amount of time. This can lead to inefficiencies and increased wear on the compressor.

Low refrigerant levels can cause a system to short cycle because the compressor may not be able to maintain adequate pressure, leading to rapid cycling as it attempts to compensate for the lack of refrigerant. When a system is oversized, it has more cooling capacity than needed for the space it serves. This means it can cool the area too quickly, leading to the thermostat reaching the set point rapidly and causing the compressor to shut off sooner than it should. Both low refrigerant levels and an oversized system create conditions that can trigger short cycling as the compressor continuously works to reach the desired temperature in an ineffective manner.

In contrast, while high refrigerant levels can lead to other issues, and improper installation might impact overall system performance, neither of these conditions is a primary cause of short cycling like low refrigerant levels or the effect of an oversized system. Extended operating hours typically would not be a cause for short cycling but rather a characteristic of the system running continuously under normal circumstances.