If you have an old mercury thermostat, it is more than likly the culprit. I have several rental properties, and my H & A man will no0t replace a furnace or ac unit unless it has a new programable thermostat. even the early models of the programabe can cause problems and should be replaced when installing a new H & A system
a good honeywell programable for 4 timeperiods and e7 days runs about $100