Residential AC systems are complex appliances that require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure peak performance and efficiency. If you recently signed up for a service agreement with a trusted contractor, you can be sure that there’s a small chance your cooling unit will break down. But if it keeps shutting down on its own and won’t always start back up, it might be due to the following reasons:
1. Faulty Thermostat
AC issues can often be traced to a malfunctioning thermostat. The settings might be incorrect or the batteries have run out. Sometimes, it is caused by bad wiring. Before you call a technician for a service appointment, refer to your AC’s user guide and follow some of the troubleshooting steps. If it is indeed faulty, have it replaced with a better thermostat, preferably with features for home automation and programmable settings.
2. Compressor Failure
Your AC system’s compressor is responsible for pumping refrigerant through indoor and outdoor units to facilitate the cooling process. If it stops working, expect the entire system to turn off as well. Get in touch with your air conditioning installation technician if you suspect that this is the reason for your AC shutting down.
3. Overflowing Condensate Pan
Your AC system has a condensate pan that collects moisture from the evaporator coil. The accumulated water is then expelled from the pan via the drain pipe. The pan may overflow if the drain pipe gets clogged, and when this happens, the limit switch is triggered to shut down the AC. Your trusted AC professional will have to inspect that part of the system to determine whether or not there’s a clog in the drain pipe and check if the drain pump is working properly.
4. Tripped Circuit Breaker
Sometimes, the cause of the AC shutdown is not because of the unit itself. It uses up electricity from the grid, even more so than most utilities. That’s why it is not uncommon for the circuit breaker to trip when overloaded. It will continue to shut off on its own if it doesn’t have its own circuit breaker, so make sure your HVAC technician is qualified to perform repairs on your unit’s electrical connections. This way, you prevent the AC from deteriorating early in its life span.
Air Products & Services is the go-to contractor that homeowners in Tarzana, CA, and the surrounding communities continue to trust for their residential and commercial AC maintenance needs. For more information about how we can keep your AC system in top shape, give us a call today at (818) 989-2030, or fill out our contact form.