Do you often ask yourself, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” In some cases, you will notice the air in your room is not cold anymore.
That is because the air conditioner turned off by itself. And this might be attributed to some problems.
Don’t you worry yet, my friends. You’ll know what’s wrong with your air conditioner as you read further.
In this post, we will be discussing the potential problems that resulted from that particular occurrence.
Why Does Your Air Conditioner Turn Off By Itself?
So, why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?
I don’t like to keep you waiting, below are the common problems that have resulted in the turning off of your air conditioning unit.
Problem #1. Not sufficient airflow
For the house to be cool, the air conditioning unit should bring a constant flow of warm air. If the AC does not get enough air, the component should have to work harder in cooling your house.
This can result in overheating and eventually shutting down the unit. Commonly, the reason behind this is the unclean air filters that hinder airflow.
All the air that is entering the AC is passing through the filter, you know what could happen if it’s clogged. As such, you need to check the air filter constantly and ensure that it is clean. In case it is already covered with dust and dirt, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Some other factors that can lead to low airflow include blocked vents. You also need to ensure that the vents are not obstructed so that the air can easily pass through them.
Fan problems and leaky ducts can also lead to low airflow. It is best to call a professional and have your AC unit checked.
Problem #2. Faulty thermostat
The thermostat is considered the brain of an air conditioning system. This is the one sending signals to the AC system to tell them if it is time to turn them on or off.
But just like any other electrical equipment, a thermostat can also malfunction. They might cause some errors that lead to the shutting off of the AC system.
This can also be because of the wiring that connects the AC and the thermostat. In such a case, you need to have a professional check your thermostat as well as replace any wires that cause a problem.
Problem #3. Clogged condensate line
The air conditioner also absorbs the moisture from the air. This will then be drained out of the house through the condensate pipe.
But in some cases, debris and dirt enter the pipe causing it to become clog. In such a case, the moisture will not be drained out of the house, but it will go to the drain pan.
When the water inside the drain pain reaches a particular level it might cause the switch to shut off the air conditioner.
The line can be cleared by pouring some distilled vinegar into the line and then flush it after 30 minutes using water. In case the clog continues, you should ask the assistance of a professional.
Problem #4. Short cycling
Short cycling happens when your AC unit turns off and on after every 15 minutes. This cycle will repeat continuously causing wear and tear to the unit.
Your home won’t also have a comfortable temperature in such a case. This problem is often caused by two factors.
For one thing, it can be an indication that the AS system is too large for the house. Meaning to say, it till cool the house too rapidly, and then shut off itself.
Another thing is the location of the thermostat. If it is close to the window where sunlight can hit directly or if it is below the AC vent, the thermostat tends not to detect the accurate temperature of your room. In such a case, you need to relocate it.
Problem #5. Low refrigerant levels
The substance that is responsible for cooling the air in the house is called the refrigerant, also known as Freon.
If the AC unit has leaks, it can result in low levels of refrigerant. This in turn will cause the pressure of the AC to change and it can trigger the switch to shut down the compressor.
When the compressor shuts down, the air conditioner will also stop to cool the air in your room. This will only turn on again if the pressure returns to safe levels.
With that being said, you need to have your unit checked by a professional for leaks. Then you the refrigerant should be refilled so that the unit will not shut off again.
You will know that there is a refrigerant leak if you notice higher electricity bills, lower cooling power, frozen evaporator coil, and hissing sound.
It’s A Wrap!
Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?
If the AC system or the thermostat has been installed recently, then it is possible that short cycling is the culprit behind the shutting off of the unit by itself.
To be sure, you have to contact a professional that installed the system.
This is to ensure that the thermostat is placed in the right location and if the AC system is sized correctly.