Why Does My Air Conditioner Turn Off By Itself?

The temperature of your home is crucial to creating a comfortable living atmosphere. One huge piece of that puzzle is your air conditioner system. When running correctly, your AC should keep you cool during those hot summer months. But as we know, that isn’t always the case.

If you’re experiencing unexpected AC shutdowns, your frustrations are understood–no one wants to be left sweating out the heat in their own home. If you’re wondering, “why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” the answer could be a few possible issues.

In this post we will cover the potential causes of this issue, and offer a few troubleshooting options to plan a course of action. While some troubleshooting can be performed by homeowners, it may be necessary to schedule professional assistance.

Let’s start by exploring a few of the possible underlying reasons that could cause your AC to turn off by itself.

Insufficient Power Supply

A common cause of air conditioner shutdowns is an insufficient power supply. AC units need a stable supply of power to operate at an optimal level. If your power supply isn’t strong enough, your AC may be shutting down randomly on its own as a protective measure. 

This could be caused by inadequate voltage or amperage. If there is insufficient amperage it can cause the AC unit to draw more power than the circuit can handle, which leads to a shutdown. This can be caused by faulty wiring, power surges, or overloaded circuits.

To see if power supply is the issue, check other appliances connected to the same circuit as your AC to see if they are also experiencing problems and then make sure no breakers are tripped.

Thermostat Malfunction

Your thermostat is the control center for your AC. If it isn't operating correctly, this may disrupt the cooling process and force the system to turn off without warning. If you believe your thermostat is providing inaccurate temperature readings, this could be signaling your air conditioner to turn off prematurely, which causes an inefficient cooling cycle. Torn or corroding wire connections can also cause faulty temperature readings. 

To test your thermostat, examine its settings to make sure they are configured properly for cooling and be sure to confirm if the thermostat is receiving power. If you use a battery-powered thermostat, you can try replacing the batteries to rule out power failure.

If you’re unable to find a reason for the malfunctioning thermostat, it might be time for a replacement. 

Clogged Air Filters

Air filters are essential pieces of your AC unit. Air filters help trap dust, debris and other harmful particles, to ensure you have strong indoor air quality. When these filters get clogged, it can prevent proper airflow and cause a variety of issues, not limited to the air conditioner turning off by itself. 

Reduced airflow can put strain on your AC system, causing increased energy consumption and inadequate cooling. Your AC could be triggering off to prevent any damage. If you notice less airflow from the vents, higher energy bills or longer cooling cycles, it may be time to replace or clean your air filters.

Other Possible Reasons Your Air Conditioner Is Turning Off On Its Own:

• Refrigerant Leaks
• Overheating
• Short Cycling
• Broken Components

For The Best AC Repair & Maintenance, Hire A Professional

Having an air conditioner that turns off by itself can be extremely annoying and inconvenient. It can also end up costing you more on your energy bills. We hope this post helped you gain a better understanding on why this may be happening to your own AC system. Just knowing the potential causes can help you take the proper proactive steps to fix the issue.

As we mentioned earlier, homeowners are more than welcome to take on some troubleshooting tactics if they feel comfortable. However, we highly recommend seeking professional help when it comes to dealing with electrical components or other complex pieces of your air conditioner. 

For top-tier air conditioner repair and maintenance around Lenexa, Kansas, choose the team here are Suburban Heating And Cooling. Call us today to schedule a service! Midwest summers will only continue to get warmer, and we’re here to help!