The answer to 'why is my humidifier short cycling' is that the humidifier is turning on and off too frequently, often due to issues with the humidistat or other components. Short cycling can be caused by a malfunctioning humidistat, a clogged water line, low water pressure, or issues with the humidifier's internal controls.
Symptoms of short cycling include the humidifier turning on and off repeatedly, not reaching the desired humidity level, and potentially causing the home to feel damp or uncomfortable. To troubleshoot and resolve the issue, you may need to clean or replace the humidistat, check the water line for clogs or leaks, or have a professional HVAC technician inspect the humidifier and its controls.