Air conditioning systems, no matter how good they are, will eventually run into issues. One of the most common problems people report is that their aircon automatically turns off and on. If you’re wondering why my aircon is automatic on and off, then you should know there could be a number of reasons. A few of the most common reasons include:
Certain Features
Believe it or not, but one of the most common reasons for people’s aircon systems to automatically turn off and on is because of certain features. For example, is your aircon unit equipped with a sleep-mode feature or an energy-saver feature? Many of the latest aircon models come with such features, and you’ll need to have it turned on if you want to conserve energy. However, if you leave such features turned on, then at certain times of the day your unit will turn itself off and on.
To determine if you have these kinds of features, turn to your owner’s manual for the aircon. If you do have energy-saving features, then turn them off to see if this fixes the issue. However, if your system is still turning off and on automatically, then turn the energy-saving feature back on. This is because that wasn’t the issue.
The Compressor
Another reason why aircon systems automatically turn off and on is due to the compressor, which can become clogged and dirty as time goes by. When your compressor accumulates a lot of dirt and debris, then it makes it more difficult for heat to escape. Your aircon creates heat when it’s in use, and the heat must be able to escape.
When your aircon’s compressor is too clogged up, then eventually overheating will happen. In turn, the safety switch will be triggered and your system will turn itself off. The aircon will then cool down, as well as the compressor, and then it will automatically turn itself on
What you want to do is take a look at the compressor and clean it if it’s noticeably dirty. While you’re at it, check the coil and the filter. Thoroughly clean those components to see if it fixes the problem.
The Safety Switch
After you have cleaned the filter, coil and compressor, see if that fixes the problem. If it doesn’t, then the issue could be related to the safety switch. When the safety switch isn’t working properly, then your aircon could start automatically turning itself off and on.
The bad news is unless you have proper training and have worked on aircon systems, then you probably won’t be able to figure out the problem with the safety switch. There are a lot of different things that could be wrong with it. This is why an expert should be called in, as they’ll inspect the switch. They’ll either replace it or they’ll make repairs on it, if that’s an option.
Repairing a safety switch can be costly. This is why it’s important to do business with a reputable company. An aircon expert with a good reputation will provide you with a fair and honest estimate. Plus, by working with a reputable professional, they’ll be honest about whether or not the safety switch can be fixed or if it really should be replaced.
Low Charge
In order for aircon systems to function properly, they need to contain a proper amount of refrigerant. If there isn’t enough, and it needs to be charged, then the system could end up shutting on and off. To see if this is the issue, simply charge it. If it works, then the aircon should stop automatically turning itself off and on.
Also, it could be due to an issue relating to the refrigerant itself. You don’t want to perform any tasks associated with trying to replace the refrigerant because it can be dangerous. Instead, let an expert do it for you.
The Circuit Board
Another common issue is the circuit board could be malfunctioning or on its way out. Most aircon are equipped with an electronic circuit board, and it must be in good working order. If it isn’t, then this could cause major issues with your aircon system.
For example, some of the components of the circuit board can malfunction and in turn overheating can occur. As previously mentioned, when an aircon system is overheated, then it may start to act up, such as shutting on and off. If you suspect there’s an issue with the electronic circuit board, then contact a professional aircon service company.
The circuit board might need to be replaced or repaired. Some of the components might need to be replaced, and not the entire circuit board. Nonetheless, it’s wise to let a professional do any work on your circuit board.
Out Of Date
Finally, your aircon system may be out of date. Like any other piece of HVAC equipment, aircon systems usually have a lifespan and they are prone to wear and tear. As time goes by, they will need to be repaired, but there may come a point when they’ll need to be replaced altogether.
If you have owned your aircon system for a considerable amount of time, and there seems to be problem after problem with it, then it might be a good time to think about getting a brand new system. In some cases, it makes more sense to replace an old system because you could end up spending far more money than you want. Once again, a professional can inspect your aircon system to determine if it’s better to replace the entire unit or if they can perform fixes to ensure it will last for a long time to come.
Those are the top reasons why your aircon might be turning on and off. However, if you’re not an expert, then determining the exact issue can be a difficulty. Even if you find out what’s causing your air conditioning system to turn off and on, you probably won’t be able to fix it easily. This is why it’s advisable to hire a professional whenever you run into a problem with your aircon.
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