Help, My AC Shuts Off All the Time!

Temperatures are on the rise in Fairfax, Arlington, Centreville, Reston, and all throughout Northern Virginia. This makes it very important that your air conditioner is working at maximum capacity. One of the most common AC problems our expert HVAC technicians at John Nugent & Sons hear is, “My AC shuts off all the time.”

If you’ve become frustrated by the way your air conditioner keeps shutting off, then you need to call us at 703-291-1926 for professional air conditioner repair service in Northern VA.

A common problem we see occurs when AC units short cycle. This means they frequently turn on and off again—often with no apparent reason, and often before the home has reached the desired temperature. This is incredibly inefficient and frustrating

There are a few possible reasons why this might be happening to your AC unit:

Compressor Problems

The compressor is the engine of your AC unit’s refrigerant cycle and is responsible for generating the pressurized conditions under which the refrigerant absorbs and dissipates thermal energy. It is often a sealed component so that dust and debris cannot damage its internal moving parts. But if it is subject to overheating or has become worn out, it may indicate this by shutting off frequently. An AC compressor can break for several possible reasons, such as a blown fuse (commonly caused by the compressor tripping the breaker), a broken motor overload protector, or burnt wiring. Call us for AC compressor repair—it’s a serious problem that needs to be immediately corrected by a professional HVAC technician.

Low Refrigerant

The level of refrigerant in your AC needs to be consistent in order for it to work properly. When you scheduled AC installation, your unit was given a certain “charge,” but if the level of refrigerant falls below this, it can lead to inadequate cooling and energy inefficiency. It can even cause your AC to short cycle. Consequently, AC refrigerant leaks should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Frozen/Frosty Coils

An AC unit’s evaporator coil resides in the indoor air handler and is responsible for cooling the warm air drawn from the interior of your home. But if you have a clogged air filter or some other airflow issue, frost can build up on your evaporator coils. This can cause your system to shut off frequently. If your air conditioner freezes, call us for repair service.

If you find that your AC shuts off all the time—these are possible explanations. Contact us today for AC repair service in Northern VA. Serving the area since 1975, we pride ourselves on providing the high quality of service and very personal touch that only a family owned company can offer.