One of the most common air conditioning problems our experts at Champion & Nash hear is, “My air conditioner keeps turning off and on!”
When your air conditioner is constantly turning on and off, it’s called “short-cycling,” and it’s a common issue our technicians find with problematic cooling systems. Air conditioning systems that shut off before reaching the thermostat’s set temperature can not only be frustrating but also a waste of energy. If this is happening to your AC system, our experts have some information for you.
# 1: YOUR AC COMPRESSOR ISN’T WORKING PROPERLY
The compressor is the engine of your AC’s refrigerant cycle and is responsible for generating the pressurized conditions under which the refrigerant absorbs and dissipates thermal energy. It’s often a sealed component, so dust and debris can’t damage its internal moving parts. If it’s subjected to overheating or has worn out, it may indicate this by shutting off frequently.
An air conditioner’s compressor can break for several reasons, such as a blown fuse (commonly caused by the compressor tripping the breaker), a broken motor overload protector, or burnt wiring.
Troubleshooting an AC compressor on your own is usually outside of most homeowners’ DIY skill sets. Accurate inspections and testing require specific tools and professional training. So, we encourage you to call us to come out and see what’s going on with your compressor. Our expert AC technicians will take a look at your condenser fan and blower assembly to see if they need to be repaired or replaced.
If you suspect you have a broken AC compressor, contact a qualified HVAC technician to help you.
#2: YOUR AIR CONDITIONER IS LOW ON REFRIGERANT
The refrigerant levels in your AC need to be consistent for it to work properly. When you scheduled AC installation, your unit was given a certain “charge,” but if the refrigerant level falls below this, it can lead to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency.
Low refrigerant levels are a common reason why air conditioners keep turning off in the summer. Air conditioner refrigerant leaks should be dealt with immediately. Refrigerant doesn’t evaporate, nor does the operation of your system expend any amount of it. This means that any loss of refrigerants is most likely due to a leak somewhere in the system. Refrigerants require professional handling and disposal. This is why you should have a certified HVAC technician deal with any refrigerant issues. A quality AC contractor will locate the leak and let you know what your repair options are.
#3: YOUR AC’S EVAPORATOR COILS ARE FROZEN
An air conditioning unit’s evaporator coil is in the indoor air handler and is responsible for cooling the warm air drawn from inside your home.
But if you have a clogged air filter or some other airflow issue, frost can build up on your evaporator coils, causing your system to shut off frequently.
If your air conditioner coils are frozen, you should contact Champion & Nash for professional repairs. We can come out and get it fixed.
You can save yourself the time and expense of frozen evaporator coils by preventing them altogether whenever possible. Airflow is the main culprit for frozen coils much of the time, so here are some simple things to do to keep air flowing:
#4: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH YOUR AIR CONDITIONER
Electrical complications are among the most common reasons for an AC shutting down suddenly — these incidents are often accompanied by the air conditioner causing a circuit breaker to trip, though not always. You might try resetting your breaker to ensure this wasn’t a one-time event, but if the breaker trips again, it’s time to call an HVAC company for repair.
You should never try to troubleshoot AC electrical problems on your own. Your air conditioning system uses quite a few electrical systems to make it work, and each one can have a loose connection, faulty wiring, or even outright failures. Calling a trained technician is a safer, more effective way to deal with any AC electrical problems.
If you think your air conditioner has these or other issues, it’s likely time to schedule a repair. Remember — all AC repairs should be carried out by a trained professional. When temperatures rise and the summer heat hits, your air conditioner needs to be working at its best. Contact Champion & Nash for expert AC repair in Houston!
You can count on Champion & Nash for fast, effective, and well-priced solutions tailored to your needs.
