When temperatures rise and the summer heat hits, it’s important that your air conditioner is working at its best.
One of the most common AC problems our experts at Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical hear is, “My air conditioner keeps turning off and on!”
If you’ve become frustrated with your air conditioner randomly shutting off, contact us for professional AC repairs.
4 Common Reasons Your Air Conditioner is Shutting Off
Short-cycling air conditioners, or when air conditioners constantly turn on and off, is a common issue our technicians see. ACs that shut off before reaching your thermostat’s temperature can be frustrating and expensive.
There are a few common reasons your AC might be turning on and off:
1. Your AC Compressor Isn’t Working Properly
The compressor is the engine of your AC’s refrigerant cycle and is responsible for generating the pressurized conditions under which the refrigerant absorbs and dissipates thermal energy. It’s often a sealed component, so dust and debris can’t damage its internal moving parts.
But if it’s subject to overheating or has become worn out, it may indicate this by shutting off frequently.
An air conditioner’s compressor can break for several possible reasons, such as a blown fuse (commonly caused by the compressor tripping the breaker), a broken motor overload protector, or burnt wiring.
How To Fix AC Compressor Problems
You may be able to assess whether the compressor is broken by checking the condenser fan and the blower assembly. These parts are easily accessed, and if the compressor is operating correctly, the fans should be in perfect motion when the AC system is running.
Troubleshooting an AC compressor on your own is a little outside of most homeowners’ skill sets. Accurate inspections and testing require specific tools and professional training.
If you have a broken AC compressor, contact Michael Bonsby HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical today.
2. Your Air Conditioner Is Low on Refrigerant
Lower refrigerant levels are a common reason why air conditioners keep turning off in the summer. As such, AC refrigerant leaks should be dealt with immediately.
The refrigerant levels in your AC need to be consistent for it to work properly. When you scheduled AC installation, your unit was given a certain “charge,” but if the refrigerant level falls below this, it can lead to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency.
How To Fix Low Refrigerant Levels
Air conditioner refrigerant levels typically drop due to a leak. Refrigerant doesn’t expire, and the operation of your system doesn’t expend any amount of it.
If your refrigerant level is low, it means there’s a leak somewhere in the system, either within the refrigerant lines or via a cracked cylinder. You’ll need to call for professional AC repair.
3. Your Air Conditioner’s Coils Are Frozen
An air conditioning unit’s evaporator coil is in the indoor air handler and is responsible for cooling the warm air drawn from inside your home.
But if you have a clogged air filter or some other airflow issue, frost can build up on your evaporator coils, causing your system to shut off frequently. If your air conditioner freezes, call us for repairs.
Prevent & Resolve Frozen Coils
The best way to deal with frozen evaporator coils is by preventing them altogether whenever possible. Much of the time, this is simple to do.
Routine AC maintenance, including professionally administered seasonal maintenance and things you can do on your own, will keep your system clean of debris. Airflow clogs are the leading cause of evaporator coil freezing, so be sure to:
- Change your air filter every one to two months.
- Keep supply and return vents clean.
- Schedule AC maintenance every year.
4. Electrical Problems With Your Air Conditioner
Electrical complications are among the most common reasons for an AC shutting down suddenly — these incidents are often accompanied by the air conditioner causing a breaker trip, though not always.
Your air conditioning system uses several electrical systems, each of which can experience loose connections, bad wiring, and failures.
Resolving Electrical Problems in Your Air Conditioner
You should never try to troubleshoot AC electrical problems on your own. It’s risky and could result in injuries.
You can try resetting your breaker to see if it’s a one-time event, but if the breaker trips again, it’s time to call an HVAC company for repair.
Air Conditioner Shutting Off? Schedule AC Repairs in Howard & Montgomery County, MD
These are just a few common causes of your AC turning on and off frequently. If you think your AC has these or other issues, it’s likely time to schedule a repair. Remember — all AC repairs should be carried out by a professional.
Contact us today if you need AC repairs in Washington, DC, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac, Clarksburg, or other nearby areas in Montgomery County, Maryland.
FAQs
Why is my air conditioner shutting off before reaching the thermostat temperature?
That behavior is often due to short cycling. The system may be overheating, have faulty wiring, or have a failing compressor. In many cases, electrical issues or low refrigerant levels cause the air conditioner shutting off prematurely.
Can a clogged air filter lead to my air conditioner shutting off?
Yes. Poor airflow from a dirty or clogged air filter can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which in turn may force the system to shut down to prevent damage. Thus, a contributing reason for an air conditioner shutting off is restricted airflow.
What is short cycling and why is it harmful?
Short cycling occurs when your AC turns on and off frequently without completing a full cooling cycle. It wastes energy, increases wear on components, and often indicates underlying issues such as thermostat malfunctions, oversized units, or refrigerant problems.
How often should I change my air conditioner’s filter to avoid problems?
Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing or cleaning your air filter every 1–3 months, depending on usage and indoor air quality. A clean filter helps maintain proper airflow and prevents system strain.
