Why Does Your Air Conditioner Turn Off by Itself in Grand Prairie, TX?

It’s been a long, hot day, and you just want to veg in front of the TV in your cool living room. Your AC clicks on but shuts off just as you get comfortable. You wonder, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?”

Dial One Johnson Plumbing, your team for AC repair in Grand Prairie, TX, has created this guide so you have some answers.

Your Thermostat Is in the Wrong Place or Malfunctioning

Let’s start with something simple. Is your thermostat: 

• Near a vent?
• By a window?
• In direct sunlight? 

These problematic placements mean it doesn’t get an accurate read on the temperature, so your AC won’t work. The same applies to a thermostat malfunction. You should call in someone to check it out. 

Your AC Is Short Cycling

Is your air conditioner turning on and off within a few minutes? This common issue is not only annoying but also damaging to your system. Some of the reasons include: 

• A refrigerant leak
• An oversized AC unit
• Electrical issues
• A dirty air filter or evaporator coil

You should check your air filter first and then the thermostat. If that doesn’t work, call in the professionals. 

You Have a Clogged Air Filter

This is one of the most common answers to “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” Air can’t move through a clogged filter, resulting in a frozen evaporator coil. The system can overheat, so it switches off to prevent damage. 

It’s tempting to squeeze out as much use out of a filter as possible, but you’re better off following the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement. 

Your AC Is Overheating

Your air conditioner might stall in response to: 

• Dirty condenser coils
• Blocked airflow around the outdoor unit
• A failing motor
• Low refrigerant levels

If your HVAC gets too hot, it switches off to protect itself. For example, an overheating compressor can cause the motor to burn out over time. 

Check your outdoor unit and clear away any leaves, grass, or debris. Ensure there’s at least two feet of space around it so it can cool off properly. If this doesn’t help, call a pro to diagnose the issue, which may lurk deeper within your system. 

You Have Electrical Issues or a Faulty Capacitor

Your HVAC contains many internal components, each of which is integral to making it run smoothly. If there’s a faulty capacitor, bad relay switch, or loose wire, the system could shut off randomly. You’ll notice: 

• Breakers that trip often
• Flickering lights
• Blown fuses

Of all the systems within your AC, this is the last one you should fiddle with. A trained technician has the tools and expertise to find the problem quickly. 

The Refrigerant Is Running Low

This is another common answer to “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” It’s also one of the most important things you should know about air conditioning. Your system circulates a refrigerant to remove heat from the air. The system’s pressurized, so any leaks are problematic. If the refrigerant drops too low, the system shuts down. 

You’ll see: 

• Warm air from the vents
• Hissing noises near the unit
• Ice buildup on the coils 

This is not a DIY fix and means you must switch off the AC immediately. If you don’t, you’ll damage the compressor. 

Your Unit Is Too Big for Your Grand Prairie Home

It’s tempting to buy a bigger unit than what you need, but this can be as bad as one that’s too small. It cools the area too quickly, so the dehumidifier doesn’t get a chance to work properly. The AC switches off because it’s cool, but switches back on again quickly because of the humidity. 

This strains your system and shortens its lifespan. 

The Evaporator Coils Are Blocked or Frozen 

This issue will usually stop your AC dead in its tracks. This could be due to: 

• Restricted airflow caused by a dirty filter
• Low refrigerant
• A malfunctioning fan

In this situation, the first thing to do is to turn off the unit and let the coils thaw completely. Then, swap out the filter and restart everything. If the freezing keeps happening, you’ll need a technician to dig deeper into the cause.