Why Does My AC Keep Turning Off?

A common but frustrating problem that homeowners experience in the warmer months is frequent AC shut-offs. Also known as short cycling, this disruption can be especially stressful for Alabama homeowners who rely on their AC unit to keep their homes free from humidity and at a safe temperature for children and elderly family members. 


So, what causes short cycling, and what can be done to fix the issue? Well, it turns out there could be several reasons as to why your AC keeps shutting off…


Dirty Air Filters and Coils


Dirt buildup in your air filters and AC unit's coils can restrict airflow, which causes your AC to work harder than it has to. As a result, your unit overheats and triggers a safety mechanism designed to prevent damage from occurring. When these safety triggers are set off, your unit will shut off. 


Cleaning your air filters and coils can improve airflow and make your AC function better. While homeowners can replace some of their air filters, it is important to seek help from a professional HVAC technician who can easily clean your coils without damaging them in the process. 


Thermostat Issues


If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it may read the home’s temperature inaccurately. When this happens, your AC may be shut off before the house is cooled. In some cases, the AC unit won’t turn on at all because the thermostat reads the temperature as being correct (when it is not.) 


To fix a faulty thermostat, you can check its settings and programming to make sure everything is correct. Replacing the thermostat’s batteries, cleaning the device and checking your home’s circuit breaker may also solve the problem.


If these methods don’t work, contacting a professional HVAC technician may be the next step. A technician might have to replace certain components including the motherboard and sensor. If the thermostat can’t be easily repaired, a full replacement may be done to solve the problem. 


Low Refrigerant Levels


Another potential cause of short cycling is low refrigerant levels. If the refrigerant levels are too low, the system will overheat, the safety mechanism will be triggered and the unit will shut off. 


Luckily, a technician can replenish your refrigerant levels and address any possible leaks. Refrigerants should only be handled by a professional as they contain chemicals that can cause serious harm if exposed to the skin or handled improperly. 


Electrical Problems


In some cases, electrical problems can cause your AC unit to shut off. Electrical issues could include faulty writing, a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse could be responsible for a malfunctioning AC.


 When dealing with electrical issues, it's best to seek a professional HVAC technician for assistance. An HVAC technician has the tools and knowledge to diagnose electrical problems, which saves time and ensures safety protocols are being followed. 


How Can I Prevent These Problems From Occurring?


Routine maintenance and inspections are crucial in preventing short cycling. Having your AC unit regularly checked ensures that your AC’s components are being regularly cleaned and maintained. Plus, small issues can be detected earlier before they become costly repairs. 


Regular maintenance not only saves on repairs but improves the longevity of your unit and makes it work more efficiently, which helps homeowners save on utility bills. Some examples of routine maintenance include:

  • Replacing dirty air filters and coils: Dirty air filters and coils reduce efficiency and cause your unit to overheat
  • Checking your refrigerant levels: Low refrigerant levels can cause your compressor to overheat
  • Testing your thermostat: A faulty thermostat can cause inaccurate readings, making your AC work harder than it should
  • Inspecting your ductwork: Poorly installed ducts or damaged ones can result in leaks, which can put pressure on your AC unit


Need Help With Your AC Unit? We’ve Got You Covered!


If you're looking for professional AC services, our expert technicians can help. Located in Smiths Station, C & G Heating & Air Conditioning serves several communities along the Alabama-Georgia border including Phenix City, Auburn, Opelika and Columbus.


For more information about our AC services including repair, installations and maintenance, give us a call at 334-489-3329. To learn more about other services, visit the website by clicking the link here. 


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