Why Does My Air Conditioner Turn Off by Itself in My Apex, NC, Home?

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why does my air conditioner turn off by itself

Are you wondering, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” Dirt buildup, leaks, electrical problems, or broken parts could be the culprits of why your AC won’t stay on.

Tech-On-Deck Heating, Air & Electric offers top-notch air conditioning services in Apex, NC, and can help you solve all your AC mysteries. Call us today so we can get your air conditioner working as it should once again.

The System Is Too Dirty

the-system-is-too-dirty

The simplest answer to “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” is dirt buildup. A dirty air filter can cause several problems within the unit, so you should change it out at least every three months. You may need to change it more often if you live in an especially dusty area or live with pets that shed heavily.

Dirt can become a problem elsewhere within the unit. Evaporator and condenser coils, capacitors, and wires can malfunction or overheat when they’re covered in too much dirt. Scheduling regular AC maintenance once or twice each year helps keep your system clean, running efficiently, and less likely to overheat due to excess dirt.

Something Is Leaking

An AC turning off unexpectedly may be due to something leaking. If the refrigerant leaks, the air won’t be able to cool down effectively and may blow out hot. A leaking condensate line could lead to clogs and eventually flood the unit, making your AC shut off.

If you notice liquid dripping from your AC or see unusual puddles nearby, give us a call to inspect the situation.

Electrical or Wiring Issues

Electrical or Wiring Issues ​

AC units use a lot of electricity. They shut off if wires or components inside stop working. Some of the issues you have could be due to:

  • Damaged Wires: Wires may deteriorate due to wear and tear in old units, or they could be damaged by small rodents that crawl into the unit. An AC expert will be able to identify the wire damage and repair or replace the wires.
  • Tripped Circuit Breaker: AC units might trip a circuit breaker since they use a lot of energy. If you’re left asking, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” check your breaker to ensure all the switches are in the correct position.
  • Using Too Much Energy: AC units will use more energy to try to cool your home down when they aren’t working correctly. If you see a spike in your electric bill, something is going on in your AC.
  • Malfunctioning Capacitor: The capacitor is like a battery for the AC that allows it to turn on. An interrupted or insufficient power supply can cause the capacitor to stop working and will need to be replaced.

A Part Is Damaged or Malfunctioning

A lot can go wrong inside an AC unit, so call Tech-On-Deck Heating, Air & Electric when you need the air turned back on in your Apex, NC, home. We know how air conditioning works and can easily identify what the problem is in yours. A number of parts could be acting up, like:

  • Thermostat
  • Evaporator coils
  • Air filter
  • Compressor
  • Capacitor
  • Condensate line
  • Electrical wires
  • Fans
  • Vents
  • Circuit board

Any of these pieces could break or malfunction due to damage, weather, or rodents crawling inside. Instead of asking, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” schedule professional AC repair so we can inspect your unit and find the cause of the problem.

Temperature Control Issues

Temperature Control Issues ​

Your AC unit may have temperature control issues due to:

  • A Faulty Thermostat: Thermostats occasionally need to be recalibrated. They may read the wrong temperature and cause your unit to run longer than it should, making the unit overheat. Your home will feel much warmer if this is the case since the unit isn’t cooling to the proper temperature.
  • Frozen Evaporator Coil: If refrigerant leaks onto the coils, the coils could freeze and make your unit run inefficiently.
  • Overheating: Built-up dirt and exposure to extreme heat may cause your unit to overheat and shut down.

Call Us for All Your AC Needs in Apex, NC

Give us a call at 984-249-2756 as soon as you notice your unit acting strange. Fixing problems sooner rather than later will save you money because your unit won’t have to use as much energy to do its job. A well-maintained unit can last up to 20 years, but when repairs are no longer enough, professional AC replacement can help restore comfort and efficiency in your home.

Our knowledgeable team of professionals can help you understand how air conditioners work and answer the tricky question, “Why does my air conditioner turn off by itself?” We’ll help your home in Apex, NC, stay cool all summer.

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