Why Does My AC Keep Turning Off? Here Are 9 Common Culprits

Posted On: March 27, 2024

The summer heat is sweltering, and lucky for you, you have an air conditioning unit. Except, your trusty air conditioner seems to suddenly decide to call it quits. It’s frustrating, uncomfortable, and can quickly turn a pleasant day into a sticky ordeal.

But why does it happen?

 

Understanding the Lingo

Before diving in, let’s get familiar with some key terms as they relate to your AC unit:

Refrigerant: A special coolant that absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outside.
Compressor: The heart of your AC, responsible for circulating refrigerant.
HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system.
Short cycling: When your AC rapidly turns on and off repeatedly.
Thermostat: Regulates the temperature in your home and signals the AC to turn on or off.
Airflow: The movement of air through your AC system.
Evaporator coils: Where warm indoor air is cooled by the refrigerant.
Capacitor: Provides the initial electrical boost to start the compressor.

 

 

AC Keeps Turning Off? Here Are 9 Common Culprits

Let’s look at the most common reasons why your AC might keep turning off unexpectedly.

1. Lack of Regular Maintenance

One of the primary culprits behind an air conditioner’s frequent shutdowns is neglecting regular maintenance. Think about it – for most of the year in places like Seattle and surrounding areas, your air conditioning system may sit idle, collecting dust and debris.

When you finally kick it into gear during the warmer months, it may struggle to operate efficiently due to accumulated grime. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule routine maintenance to ensure your unit is clean, charged correctly, and operating at peak performance.

2. Dirty Air Filters and Condenser Coils

Your air conditioner’s air handler or furnace plays a key role in circulating cool air throughout your home via the ducts. However, if you have a clogged air filter, it can hinder airflow making the AC work harder leading to overheating which can then result in shutdowns.

Regularly changing air filters and cleaning coils can help prevent this issue and keep your system running smoothly. HVAC professionals can take on these tasks for homeowners with an AC tune-up.

3. Leaky Ductwork

Another common AC problem behind frequent shutdowns is leaky ductwork. If your ducts are poorly sealed or insulated, cool air can escape before reaching its intended destination. This not only compromises your comfort but also wastes energy and drives up utility bills.

Many homeowners may not notice any symptoms showing their AC needs to be repaired but are experiencing higher energy bills. This is something to watch for as it could indicate a problem with your cooling system.

Sealing and insulating ductwork, especially in older homes, can help prevent this problem and ensure efficient cooling throughout your home.

4. Insufficient Ductwork

Even if your ducts are leak-free, inadequate ductwork can still impede airflow and cause your AC to cycle on and off frequently. If your home has insufficient ductwork to distribute cool air evenly, certain areas may not receive adequate cooling, leading to discomfort and inefficiency. Upgrading or expanding your ductwork can help address this issue and improve overall airflow.

5. Low Refrigerant Levels

Insufficient refrigerant reduces the system’s ability to absorb heat, causing the AC to turn off to prevent damage.

6. Frozen Evaporator Coils

When airflow is blocked or refrigerant levels are low, the evaporator coils can freeze, forcing the AC to shut down to prevent further icing.

7. Electrical Issues

A tripped circuit breaker, faulty wiring, or a failing capacitor can disrupt power supply to the AC, causing it to turn off abruptly.

8. Oversized AC Unit

An AC unit that’s too large for your home will constantly cycle on and off, reducing efficiency and potentially causing short cycling.

9. Thermostat Trouble

A faulty thermostat might misinterpret the room temperature, sending incorrect signals to the AC. This can cause the AC to turn on and off rapidly in an attempt to reach a nonexistent temperature.

It could also be something as simple as having a low battery. A low battery in your digital thermostat can disrupt its operation, leading to erratic on-off cycles.

 

 

Taking Action for Reliable Cooling

When your air conditioner starts acting up, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to avoid discomfort and potential damage to your system. Our certified HVAC technicians at Washington Energy Services are here to help with same-day emergency services or convenient scheduled appointments. Whether it’s a simple repair or a more complex issue, we’ll diagnose the problem and ensure it’s resolved swiftly and correctly.

Don’t let a malfunctioning air conditioner disrupt your comfort and convenience. Reach out to Washington Energy Services today for expert AC repair and maintenance solutions tailored to your needs.

You can also:

Back To All Posts