Why does the AC keep turning on and off constantly?

If you're sitting there wondering why does the AC keep turning on and off every five or ten minutes, you're likely dealing with a frustrating phenomenon called short cycling. It's one of those things that starts as a minor annoyance—maybe you just notice the clicking sound of the unit starting up more often than usual—but it can quickly turn into a massive headache for your energy bill and the lifespan of your cooling system. ...

May 4, 2026 · 7 min · Dolev Elyse