Why it matters to you
In Greater Houston's humid climate, a system that short-cycles can reach the thermostat setting before it has run long enough to pull moisture from the air, leaving rooms cool but clammy. Every extra start also adds wear to the compressor, capacitor and contactor.
Practical guidance
Check that the filter is clean and that the thermostat is away from sunlight, supply vents and heat-producing appliances. If cycling continues, have a technician check refrigerant charge and airflow, and for a replacement, ask that the new system be sized with a Manual J load calculation.