Our Southeast customers rely on their air conditioners to keep cool and comfortable all summer long, but what happens when your unit keeps shutting off? Here are some signs to watch out for and what you can do about them.
Frosty Coils
Your AC might shut off when its coils have frosted over.
Evaporator coils are located inside the unit’s air handler. Clogged air filters and other airflow issues can cause frost to build up over time, which can lead to short cycling. Changing your air filter might help, but if your air conditioner continues to switch off, call in a professional HVAC technician to address the problem.
Low Refrigerant
When your AC’s refrigerant falls below a certain level, the system can’t function properly and will shut down. You might also notice reduced energy efficiency and lack of cooling long before the unit begins to short cycle.
As long as you adhere to your annual HVAC maintenance schedule, you should never have to deal with low refrigerant. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, however, it’s time to make that call to prevent future problems.
Compressor Issues
The compressor is essentially the air conditioner’s engine. Most compressors are sealed to prevent dust and other debris from damaging the compressor’s moving parts, but in some cases, the compressor overheats or wears out. When this happens, the system shuts off frequently to avoid overheating.
When you have a failing compressor, you’ll end up with higher energy bills and an uncomfortable home. Fixing the compressor is an easy, inexpensive task your technician can complete in no time.
Oversized AC
When your air conditioner is too big for your home, it will cool the space quickly and then shut off. While this may seem like a good idea, it actually increases your energy bills. Make sure you have the right AC from the start.
Contact AC Southeast® to get the right unit you need and the
air conditioning services to keep it running like new.
