Why does My Air Conditioner Turn Off by Itself?

Hi, If you are having issues with AC stabilizer cut off problem, then you are not alone. I faced this issue a few months back and to solve this I hired an AC technician. The AC technician told me about several reasons why this problem can arise. Some of the problems mentioned by him are already mentioned by Advaith in the previous answer. Here are the rest. 

Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Turning On And Off?

• Compressor Issue

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He said that the compressor of the AC unit is the engine of the refrigerant cycle. When it gets worn out or starts overheating, the system of the AC starts shutting off frequently. 

• Low Refrigerant

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According to him, Refrigerants in ACs need to stay consistent for it to work properly. If the refrigerant levels by any chance fall low, the performance and energy efficiency of the AC drops. This could be why window air conditioner keeps shutting off. 

• Frosty Coils

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He also said that the evaporator coils inside the air handler are responsible for cooling the warm air that is drawn inside. Frost can build up on these coils due to clogged air filters and thus the AC can switch off by itself.

• Electrical Problems

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The technician told me that, electrical problems are the most common issue when an air conditioner switches off by itself. This usually happens when a fault is there in the electrical line or the capacitor is failing or broken. 

And that’s about it for AC stabilizer cut off problem. I hope these solutions have been of help to you. 

Hi Buddy,

Are you facing an AC cut off problem? Is your air conditioner turning off within 10-15 minutes of turning it on by itself? If you answered yes, your air conditioner may be suffering from an issue known as "short cycling." I would like to provide some insights about the same as I am an electrician, and resolved various problems like these.

Short cycling occurs when an air conditioner's cooling cycle is interrupted prematurely and then restarted after a short period. This could imply that your unit turns on and off every 15 minutes or less, depending on indoor and outdoor conditions.

Short cycling is not only bad for your air conditioner, but it is also bad for your budget. The following are two causes for this:

• Because it takes more energy to turn on your air conditioner repeatedly than it does when it is running efficiently, as it is in longer cycles, a significant quantity of energy is wasted like water, resulting in higher energy bills

• This on/off cycle puts extra strain on your air conditioner's mechanisms, reducing its lifespan and forcing an early replacement

Short cycling can be induced by a variety of factors. As a result, troubleshooting is difficult without seeing and hearing the issue. Hence, if you are pondering on why does my air conditioner turn off by itself, then I would like to point out some of the most typical causes,

• Thermostat Control

Check the thermostat settings before assuming your air conditioner is faulty. Reduce the temperature and check whether the air conditioner stays on longer. You might be able to set a timer on your thermostat. Check your thermostat's handbook or menus to see if you can modify the timing. 

The only solution to this problem is to reinstall your thermostat in a central position, away from windows and air vents, by a professional

• The thermostat in the Wrong Place

The thermostat is frequently placed in inconvenient locations by builders. If your thermostat is located in a location where the temperature is typically different from the rest of the house (for example, under an AC vent, near a window, or on the shady side of the house), it may be "tricked" into thinking your home is colder or hotter than it is. You may face this, that your AC switches off automatically every 15 minutes as a result of this

• Filter that is dirty

It could be as simple as a filthy air filter causing your air conditioner to turn on and off constantly. Airflow into your air conditioner can be restricted by a dirty air filter, causing the evaporator coils to freeze. The unit would shut down prematurely as a result of this. Examine your air filter to see if it's clogged. Replace it if it appears to be unclean

• Leakage of Refrigerant

A refrigerant leak can lower the pressure in your air conditioner, causing the evaporator coils to freeze and the AC unit to cycle on and off continuously (much like a filthy air filter). It's best to leave air conditioner repairs to the professionals if you suspect a refrigerant leak

• AC unit that is too big

Is your air conditioner too big for your room? A large air conditioner will quickly cool your home and then turn off. Doesn't seem like it would be a bad thing, does it? Yes, it is. Because if your air conditioner cools your home too quickly, you'll have higher energy bills, more humidity, and more hot and cold patches in your home

The key remedy to this AC cut off problem, in my opinion, is to seek expert counsel from professionals who can fix the air conditioner.

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