Why Does My AC Compressor Shut Off After 2-3 Minutes?

The problem of why does my AC compressor shut off after 2-3 minutes happens to many people. As an owner, you expect your appliance to work every day and every time without any trouble. But, as an electrical machine, it is natural to have at least one problem coming up from it. If not, the years of use will eventually catch up.

The weary years of service could lead to this: You feel that it is just not right as you turn on the AC compressor. It goes on and off after a few minutes. This is called short cycling.

Short cycling is when the cooling cycle on the AC is shortened. It turns the AC on and off and makes the room temperature undecidable. To prevent this from happening in the future, read this article on why your AC automatically turns off and on.

The Reason Why Does My AC Compressor Shut Off After 2-3 Minutes

If the AC only runs for 5 minutes and then goes off again, that is for one of these reasons:

why does my ac compressor shut off after 2 3 minutes
  1. The thermostat isn’t Working Properly

If an air conditioner has a problem with short cycling, it could be because of the thermostat. A broken thermostat can send the wrong signal to the AC compressor. The confused compressor then results in the whole home appliance short-cycling.

  1. The Thermostat is Wrongly Placed

The AC system relies on the thermostat to get the information to turn on and off. If the location of the thermostat is not proper, it could lead to a false temperature reading.

  1. Dusty Air Filters

The air filters are the AC parts that prevent dust from getting into the AC components. But, if the filter is dirty and full of dust, it may cause the components to overheat and cause the circuit to work improperly. You could clean the air filters regularly to prevent this from happening.

  1. Condenser Coils are Dirty

If a condenser coil is dirty, it may cause the component to fail to trap the heat from the air inside. Therefore, overheating can happen. The same with the air filters. You can clean this part regularly to prevent an AC compressor from working badly.

  1. The Refrigerator Leak

If there is a leak in this component, there will be confusion in the system. In the end, a short cycling trip will happen. This might be one of your answers to the question of why my ac automatically turns off and on. If so, you need to call a service center or a professional to fix this problem.

The Effects of an AC Compressor Shutting Off After a Few Minutes

The effects on why the AC compressor is not working properly rely on your spending. If the short cycling goes on for quite a long time, it could shorten the air conditioner’s lifespan.

AC that can usually be used for years can now be broken up for less. The continuity of the short cycling in the AC compressor can also make your electricity bills go higher than before.

That is because of the constant on and off of the appliance. You will spend extra money to buy a new one and pay the bills if the problem does not go away immediately.

Conclusion

The solution to the problem of why does my AC compressor shut off after 2-3 minutes? is to repair it immediately at the service center. Short cycling usually takes several days to resolve. But, if repairing the air conditioner is not possible, you could purchase a new one for your household.

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AirconMag is an experienced author and Air Conditioner expert. With years of practical experience in the field authored several informative articles on various aspects of AC unit, including installation, maintenance, and repair