Summers can feel toasty for members of the Kent community, so a reliable air conditioning system is crucial when waiting out the heat in the comfort of your own home.
Have you ever turned on your unit before you left the house and came back to a home full of stagnant, warm air? You know you turned it on, so you probably think to yourself, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?”
Below, a leading AC repair specialist in Kent, WA, explores what could potentially be happening with that faulty air conditioner.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Cycling Off?
You rely on your air conditioner in the summer months in King County. Understandably, it’s frustrating to find your unit performing unreliably or, worse, shutting off of its own accord. If your unit turns off or switches back on before the appointed time, experts like DEAR Services call it short-cycling.
To fix a short-cycling issue, the team has to troubleshoot the root cause of the cooling unit’s problem. For example, potential reasons why your air conditioning unit is turning off may include the following:
Dirty Filter
Dirty air filters are extremely common culprits in air conditioners not working properly. These surfaces catch dirt and debris as the air moves through your system, but they can only do that up to a point before they are inundated and need changing or cleaning.
Restricted airflow may cause your cooling unit to overheat, which will result in it turning off as a safety measure. Dirty filters also impact your indoor air quality.
Faulty Thermostat
Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself? One reason many people overlook is an issue with their programmable thermostat.
The issue may lie in this mechanism instead of your unit itself, so first, check your thermostat to see what the temperature setting reads. A simple calibration issue is easy to fix, and so is a flat battery. Other problems will need some professional attention from a technician.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is essential to help cool the air as it passes through your system.
Are your unit’s refrigerant levels running low? Is there a leak somewhere along your unit’s line? If so, the air won’t cool properly before flowing out through your system’s vents.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
Evaporator coils facilitate the proper cooling of indoor air. However, as the air passes over them, any dust and debris in the air may settle on these coils.
If the buildup gets bad enough, the coils could freeze, causing a system malfunction. Frozen coils can also lead to further HVAC system problems, so quick action is crucial.
What To Do About a Short-Cycling Air Conditioner in Kent, Washington
When it is hot in the Kent area, you deserve to stay cool with a reliable air conditioning system. One way to ensure that happens is by prioritizing AC unit maintenance or a quick repair as soon as you discover a problem. Anytime your AC shuts off unexpectedly, you’ll want to call a professional HVAC company like Washington’s DEAR Services for help.
A professional technician will be able to assess your HVAC system and track down the root cause of your air conditioning issues. In Washington, common fixes for an air conditioner that shuts off unexpectedly may include the following:
- New air filters: In most cases, a quick swap of your air filter is all your unit needs for properly cooled, clean air to start flowing again.
- Refrigerant recharge: If your unit’s coolant levels are low, a technician will check for leaks and recharge the refrigerant for optimal performance.
- Deep cleaning: Removing dust and debris buildup around the coils and the system itself supports your unit’s efficiency.
- Thermostat inspections: If your unit is otherwise functioning fine, a check of your thermostat wiring may uncover the reason for the short cycling.
- Removal of outdoor debris: If vegetation or debris blocks up your condenser unit outside, it won’t pull in the air properly. Keeping the area clear prevents shutdowns.
Air conditioner troubleshooting is easy when you have a trained professional to handle your inspection! If you’d like a quick diagnosis and reliable repairs that happen right afterward, be sure to get in touch with consummate heating and cooling professionals.
Turn On Your Air Conditioner in Kent, Washington, With Complete Confidence
Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself? Now that you have a few possible answers, you can get back to enjoying the summer in Kent cool, calm, and collected. You can also contact the Washington team at DEAR Services today at (206) 569-6691 for quality AC repair.