Central Air condtioner cycle times?

Question

During the hotest time of the day my air conditioner is off for only 4-5 minutes but then is on for 16-17 minutes! Is this ok, or is there a problem? The temperture outside is 86 degrees (feels like 96) and I have the thermostat set to 75 degrees. The temperture of the air coming out of the vents is 64 degrees. No doors or windows are open and I would think my house is insulated ok. The large metal pipe coming from the compressor outside is wet and cold. The coils on the inside are somewhat dirty (I will clean them soon) but I would say that they are not too bad. Is these cycles times normal?

Thanks!

Answer 1

HVAC Tech.: Normal is very hard to define. It sounds like your unit is doing a good job. Could it do better? Probably. How large and how many windows are there(HEAT GAIN) Are there shade trees that shade the house? is the condenser unit in the shade during the heat of the day.Dose the attic have a power vent? all these things effect how well your a/c gets the job done.     Change the return air filter every month!!!

Answer 2

From your explanation, I would suspect your A/C is marginally sized. Not much you can do without major replacement.