Why Won’t My AC in Decatur, IL Stay On?

Air conditioners in Decatur, IL should typically run in cycles lasting 10 to 15 minutes to cool your home. Although it may seem like faster cooling is more efficient, cycles that are too short often indicate a problem. If your AC shuts off too quickly, it could be due to issues like a dirty filter, dirty coils, or a faulty thermostat, among other potential causes.

A Clogged Air Filter

You need to change your AC filter every one to three months. Once the filter has captured all the dirt and debris possible according to its surface area, the extra unfiltered debris will hinder airflow, overheat the motor and cause the AC to shut down as a safety precaution. This is why you’ll notice the system stopping before it reaches your set point.

Dirt on the Coils

Another cause of overheating and short cycling is dirt and grime buildup on the coils. Air conditioners have two coils: the evaporator coil in the air handler and the condenser coil in the compressor. Both are important to the transfer of heat out of your home, so make sure they stay clean with yearly professional maintenance.

An Uncalibrated Thermostat

Maybe the system is clean and running fine, but the thermostat may misread the indoor temperature as lower than it is. In that case, it will tell the system to shut down before you’re cool. Fixing this requires calibrating the thermostat sensors, which your HVAC technician can do during a maintenance visit.

An Oversized Air Conditioner

Lastly, your AC may cycle quickly because its blowing capacity is too powerful for your home. This, in turn, might be because the installers didn’t consider all the technical details when helping you choose a system. Only a brand-new system will solve the issue.

Our team at Air King Inc. is ready to inspect and repair your short-cycling AC in Decatur, so call today for a convenient appointment. Our NATE-certified technicians are also available 24/7 in case of emergencies.

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