What might cause an AC system to cycle on and off frequently?

Frequent cycling of an AC system, where it turns on and off rapidly, can be attributed to several factors, each contributing to the overall performance issues of the system. If the system is experiencing a non-functioning compressor, it may not be able to maintain the necessary pressure to cool effectively, leading to short cycling. Insufficient refrigerant charge is another common issue that can trigger frequent cycling; without enough refrigerant, the system can overheat or fail to reach the desired temperature, prompting it to shut down to prevent damage. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder than necessary, which can also result in the compressor overheating and cycling off prematurely. Because all these factors are valid contributors to the cycling problem, identifying and addressing any of them is essential for restoring normal operation of the AC system.