The answer to 'why is my air conditioner short cycling' is that your air conditioner is turning on and off rapidly, cycling on and off more frequently than normal. This can be caused by a few common issues, such as a dirty air filter, a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or an oversized air conditioning unit.
Short cycling can put a lot of strain on your AC system and lead to higher energy bills, as the unit is working harder to maintain the desired temperature. It's important to diagnose and address the root cause to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently and effectively.