Why Does My Air Conditioner Keep Turning On and Off?
Are you always adjusting your thermostat to get the right temperature, only to find that your air conditioner turns on and off again within minutes? If your AC unit is constantly cycling on and off, it could be a sign of a bigger problem.
The good news is that an experienced technician can easily fix most of these problems. In this blog, we’re discussing the common reasons why an air conditioner turns on and off and how Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you get back to comfortable living in Las Vegas.
Reasons Your Air Conditioner Turns On and Off
There are various reasons why your AC isn’t working properly or turning on and off on its own. Here are some of the most common causes of why your air conditioner is switching itself off:
Broken Thermostat
A broken thermostat is one of the most common causes of your air conditioner constantly turning on and off. A malfunctioning temperature sensor, a shortage in the wiring, or an issue with the actual unit itself can cause a broken thermostat. To check this, ensure the batteries are working properly and the inside of the thermostat is free of dirt and debris. If both of those check out and your thermostat is still causing issues, it may be time to call in an experienced HVAC technician to take a look.
Dirty Air Filters
Dirty air filters can cause several problems for your air conditioning system, including decreased efficiency, increased energy costs, and even premature parts failure. To keep your AC running smoothly and efficiently, changing the filter regularly is important.
Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils, located outside your home, are responsible for releasing the heat that the air conditioner has taken from your home. If these coils become dirty, they can’t do this job efficiently. Not only will it cause your AC to run more often than usual, but it can also lead to higher energy bills.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be an HVAC expert to clean your condenser coils; most people can do it themselves without too much trouble. Start by removing debris or dirt around the unit and turn off the power before using a garden hose to gently spray down the coils with water. Once you’ve finished cleaning, turn the power back on and check for proper operation.
Refrigerant Level Issues
Refrigerant is a special liquid that helps your AC system cool down the air in your home. When the refrigerant levels are too low, it can be difficult for your unit to keep up with cooling demands, causing it to cycle on and off more frequently. Low refrigerant levels can be caused by a variety of issues, including leaking hoses or valves, extreme temperatures outside, or even improper installation. If this is the case with your unit, you should contact a professional Las Vegas air conditioning repair company right away.
Oversized AC Unit
There’s a chance your AC keeps turning on and off because the unit is too big for the area it’s trying to cool. An improperly sized AC system can cause problems such as cycling too frequently, failing to cool efficiently, and consuming more energy than necessary. If you suspect the unit may be too large, an experienced Las Vegas HVAC technician can assess your property size and layout to determine whether or not your system is too large for your space.
What to Do If Your Air Conditioner is Blowing Hot Air
If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner is blowing hot air instead of cold, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s going on. First, check to ensure the thermostat is set to cool and that it’s not set too low. If it is, and there’s still no cold air coming out, then the problem may be with the compressor or other components of your system.
Another potential cause of warm-blowing AC is dirty filters or coils, so if those have been neglected for a while, it’s time to give them a thorough cleaning or replace them entirely. You should also check to make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped and that the outside unit is free of debris and other obstructions.
Your Las Vegas Air Conditioning Repair Specialists
If your AC keeps turning on and off and you’ve tried troubleshooting it yourself with no luck, it’s time to call the Las Vegas air conditioning repair specialists at Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
At Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we have the expertise and experience to help with your air conditioning or plumbing needs. From emergency AC repair to complete system installation, you can count on us for reliable services at an affordable price. We use only the highest quality tools and parts so that you can be sure your system is running optimally for years to come.
Our services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured that your comfort is our top priority. Contact us today to get your thermostat and AC unit back up and running in no time!