Five Reasons Your AC Keeps Turning Off By Itself in Oakwood, OH

It’s a scorcher today, and you’re eager for some relief from that oppressive heat and humidity that hangs over you like a wet blanket. When you turn on the AC, it runs for a few minutes but then shuts off well before your home gets cool enough. You wonder, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?”

Below, learn the top causes of an AC unit shutting off by itself, then call us for AC repair in Oakwood, OH.

Why Does My Air Conditioner Turn Off By Itself? Top Reasons for HVAC Auto-Shutoff in Oakwood, OH

There are several reasons for an air conditioner turning off on its own. Some of them are easy to fix while others will require the help of an HVAC expert.

1. Your Thermostat Is on the Fritz

Take a peek at your thermostat and see what the temperature is set to. There’s a chance that you or someone in your home adjusted the temperature, causing the unit to turn off before you want it to. If so, simply set the thermostat to the temperature you want. No dice? The thermostat might need new batteries or calibration.

Do you have a smart thermostat? While smart thermostats are handy for controlling the temperature remotely, they do have their quirks. For example, if you have a relatively new smart thermostat that’s set to auto-cooling mode, it may not have learned your preferred cooling patterns yet. Try turning off auto-cooling and adjusting the temperature manually.

2. The Air Filter Is Dirty

“Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” If you haven’t changed the air filter in a long time, that could be your culprit.

Filters are magnets for dirt, dust, hair, and all kinds of other yucky stuff. They don’t last forever, and you’ll usually need to change yours every 30 to 90 days. But if your home is a bustling one or you’ve got pets, you might have to replace yours more often.

Take a look at your air filter. If it’s as black as charcoal, it’s time to replace it.

3. Your Outdoor Unit Is Blocked

Air conditioners need plenty of airflow to do their job. If something is blocking that airflow, the system can overheat, which will cause it to shut down temporarily until it cools off.

Head outside and inspect the area around the outdoor unit. You might see tree branches, soil, or weeds clogging your unit; if so, remove the debris. Spray the unit with a garden hose to knock dried mud loose.

Try running the air conditioner again. If the problem persists, something may be stuck inside the outdoor unit. You can attempt to open the unit to remove the blockage or call an HVAC technician for help.

4. The Unit Is Leaking Refrigerant

If you’re wondering, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” check the refrigerant levels.

Your air conditioner needs refrigerant to run. The refrigerant’s job is to absorb heat and facilitate the transfer of that heat out of your home. If your system is low on refrigerant, its cooling power will gradually decrease until it stops cooling your home entirely. The unit may also shut off prematurely.

Refrigerant levels should stay stable. If yours are low, there may be a leak somewhere in the system, and you’ll have to hire an HVAC pro for air conditioner troubleshooting.

5. The Air Conditioner Has Mechanical Problems

If none of the above solutions have worked, your air conditioner might be having mechanical issues. For example, its coils may be dirty, causing an AC malfunction and overheating or the compressor may be failing. This is one of the first parts to go in older cooling systems.

You can resolve the issue with repairs, but if your air conditioner is ancient, it may be more cost-effective to buy a new one. Our HVAC team can help you pick the perfect new air conditioner for your Oakwood home.