5 Causes of AC Shutdown

Air conditioning systems are complex and require constant maintenance to work efficiently. If you have a preventive maintenance plan, the chances of a breakdown are low but not 0, especially during the hotter season. If your AC suddenly shuts down and won’t start back up, it might be because of one of these 5 reasons.

  1. Compressor failed– The compressor is one of the most important parts of the AC unit. It’s responsible for pumping the refrigerant through the system so that the refrigerant can change state. If the compressor stops working, your AC will too and you’ll have to call an HVAC technician for repairs and possible replacement. 
  2. Motors burnt out– The motors are responsible for powering the compressor and fans. If they overheat, they can burn out and the AC will shut down. If you notice a smell coming from your vents, especially a burnt smell, it may be your motors. Motors must be replaced by a skilled HVAC technician. 
  3. Condensate drain overflowed– The condensate pan collects the water moisture that collects on the evaporator coil. A clogged drain or broken pump can cause the water to overflow in the pan, tripping the limit switch and shutting down the AC. The technician will have to unclog the drain or fix the broken pump to get the AC working again.
  4. Circuit breaker tripped– AC motors, especially in commercial ACs, require a lot of energy. It’s not uncommon for a circuit to be overloaded, tripping a breaker. If the AC shuts down, check to see whether any circuit breakers were tripped. If it happens multiple times, call a technician to see if there are possible electrical issues.
  5. Thermostat issues– Many different issues with the thermostat could be the cause of AC problems. Choosing the wrong settings, miscalibration, or broken connection to the system could all be responsible for malfunctions in the AC. Check the thermostat to see whether there is a settings issue that can be easily fixed or a deeper problem that requires a technician. 

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, call Express Refrigeration in Sacramento, CA today and have a technician check it out.