Why Does My AC Turn Off By Itself?

Is your air conditioning behaving strangely, turning on and off frequently without maintaining a consistent cooling cycle? This issue — known as “short-cycling” — isn’t just frustrating; it may indicate an underlying problem with your cooling system that requires expert attention.

What is Short-Cycling?

Short-cycling is when your air conditioner turns on, runs for a short period, and then shuts off prematurely before completing a full cooling cycle.

Instead of maintaining a steady temperature, the system repeats this rapid on-off cycle, compromising comfort and putting unnecessary strain on the AC unit.

Possible Causes of Short-Cycling

There are several reasons your air conditioner may start short-cycling. These are some of the most common possible causes:

• Improper sizing: If your AC is too large or too small for your space, it can lead to short-cycling. An oversized unit cools the area quickly, causing it to reach the set temperature too fast and shut off abruptly. An undersized unit struggles to cool the space efficiently, leading to frequent cycling as it tries to maintain the desired temperature.
• Clogged filter: A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the AC to overheat. To protect itself, the system shuts off automatically, resulting in short-cycling. Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter at proper intervals is crucial to prevent this.
• Thermostat placement: Incorrect thermostat placement can lead to inaccurate temperature readings. If the thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight, near a heat source, or in a drafty area, it may sense the wrong temperature, causing the AC to cycle on and off incorrectly.
• Refrigerant leaks: Insufficient levels of refrigerant due to leakage can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. This triggers the system’s safety mechanisms, resulting in short-cycling to prevent further damage to the unit.
• Faulty components: Various faulty AC components, such as a malfunctioning compressor, faulty fan motor, or defective thermostat, can disrupt the proper functioning of your AC system, leading to short-cycling.

Why Choose BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning?

Short-cycling can disrupt the cooling efficiency of your air conditioner and potentially indicate underlying problems with the system. By understanding the possible causes, you can take appropriate steps to address the issue.

When dealing with short-cycling or any other AC issues, it’s best to trust a skilled professional to restore proper functionality to your system.

At BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning, our team is uniquely equipped to handle any short-cycling issues that may impact your home’s comfort. When you choose our team, you can always expect:

• Expertise & experience: Our highly skilled technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing and resolving AC problems. We have the knowledge and expertise to accurately identify the root cause of short-cycling.
• Comprehensive solutions: BVSM offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific AC and short-cycling issue. Whether it’s recalibrating the thermostat, repairing faulty components, or recommending the right-sized unit, we provide reliable solutions to ensure long-lasting performance.
• Quality service: We prioritize customer satisfaction and deliver quality service to all our customers. Our technicians work diligently to address your concerns promptly, providing efficient repairs and preventative maintenance to optimize your AC’s performance and prevent future failures.
• Transparent pricing: BVSM believes in transparency, ensuring you receive fair and honest estimates for services.
• Excellent reviews: With a track record of satisfied customers, BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning has earned a reputation for exceptional service and reliable solutions. Our positive customer reviews speak volumes about our commitment to excellence.

Let us restore your air conditioner to full functionality by calling 724-417-9550 to request short-cycling repair for your AC system.