AC Starts Then Stops After a Few Seconds: What to Do
Problematic thermostats may lead to early shutdown of AC units. This occurs because they fail to accurately read temperature readings, providing inaccurate information to the compressor and prompting it to shut prematurely.
Dirty air filters can also contribute to an AC that starts and then stops. Your air filter captures dirt, dust and debris in your home, and it can become easily clogged up over time.
Wondering why your AC is starting and stopping abruptly? Find solutions and reliable assistance at Anderson Air, the AC repair experts in West Fork.
Check the capacitor
When starting up your AC, the capacitor takes time to provide sufficient current for its compressor to start spinning. If your air conditioning starts but quickly shuts off again in a few seconds, this could be a telltale sign that its run capacitor needs replacement or is failing altogether.
Your AC’s capacitor is susceptible to heat and may overheat when working hard on hot summer days, especially in their highest setting. Furthermore, electrical surges and power fluctuations may damage it as it slowly releases energy over time;
This ability may become less effective over time and cause your energy release rate to reduce as your energy release capacity wanes with age gradually. If it becomes damaged, however, it could overheat and cause your circuit to twitch in response.
Check the condenser coils
Over time, dirt accumulates on your compressor coils if your air conditioning unit isn’t properly maintained, leading it to work harder and overheat before eventually shutting off with an audible hissing sound. It makes sense to schedule a professional cleaning of your unit at this stage by calling a technician.
Dirty air filters, condenser coils, capacitors that have failed, an AC unit too large for its space and refrigerant leaks are among the many issues that may cause an AC unit to shut off shortly after starting up – with leaks being especially serious concerns and should not go undetected.
A chemical substance called refrigerant travels through the heat exchange system of an air conditioner to absorb and release heat from your house. To maximize efficiency, refrigerant should remain self-contained within its line; otherwise, it will need to be topped off more often, increasing both electricity bills and decreasing unit life expectancy.
Check your thermostat
If your thermostat is malfunctioning, it cannot send cooling instructions to the rest of your AC system. This could be caused by low batteries, dirty air filters or even an unexpected circuit breaker tripping (this should never be attempted without consulting with a professional).
Your thermostat typically receives heating and cooling instructions from temperature sensors in your home. When these signals arrive it will switch on or off your air conditioner to regulate home temperatures.
Unfortunately, your thermostat can become confused and give inaccurate signals if placed in an inappropriate place, such as close to windows with direct sunlight shining directly upon them, beneath or next to supply air vents, or in hot rooms like kitchens where temperatures might become inaccurate enough to cause it to shut off automatically.
Try restarting your thermostat or changing the batteries to see if it resolves the issue. If not, contact a professional HVAC technician for additional troubleshooting. If the problem still exists, check that your thermostat is set on “on”/”auto” rather than off, and adjust your temperature settings as necessary so they are in line with expectations for where air should come from.
Check the fan
The fan in your air conditioning system plays a pivotal role in the cooling process. It helps circulate air through the system, aiding in the heat exchange that ultimately cools your home. If the fan malfunctions, it can disrupt the entire cooling cycle, leading to the AC unit shutting down unexpectedly.
Check for any debris, dirt, or obstructions around the fan blades, ensuring that they can rotate freely; if they are stuck or obstructed, it can cause the AC to shut off.
To troubleshoot this, you can inspect the fan blades by carefully examining them for any visible obstruction and then gently clean the blades and the surrounding area from dirt or debris.
