HVAC Contributor
After a few minutes of operation, does your General Electric (GE) air conditioner constantly turning off? Or does it repeatedly switch on and off? We conducted study into the causes of this because we are aware of how frustrating it may be, and the following is what we discovered:
If your GE air conditioner repeatedly shuts off, this indicates:
- The compressor is very hot.
- Filters need cleaning
- Iced coils
- Low refrigerant
- Defective thermostat
You might be pondering whether you can repair the air conditioner yourself now that you are aware of the causes.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Automatically Turn Off?
One of the top manufacturers of contemporary home appliances, including air conditioners, is General Electric. It made its name by producing dependable and high-quality household goods. If the equipment does not undergo the recommended yearly maintenance, it could be vulnerable to faults and exhibit poor performance.
There are numerous connected reasons why your GE air conditioner keeps shutting off. For instance, frozen coils may be to blame for a compressor that is overheating. Refrigerant leaks can cause frozen coils, and leaks can cause the appliance to overheat.
The likely causes of an air conditioner that continually turning off are listed below. Before choosing to call for help, you can use the troubleshooting advice we’ve added.
Overheating Compressor
Several factors could cause a compressor to overheat. If the air filters are unclean, to start. The coils becoming frozen is the second scenario. Finally, if there is a mechanical issue with the compressor. Other warning indications of an impending compressor failure include:
- A chattering or clicking noise
- Cooling system blowing heated air
- Leakage of refrigerants
Furthermore, a defective compressor will cause the circuit breaker to trip regularly. This issue arises as a result of the unit overheating and energy being drawn back into the breaker. This poses a fire risk and may be hazardous.
Steps To Take:
Filters should be cleared of dust and debris and replaced as necessary. Any indication of a compressor issue should be professionally diagnosed by a qualified air conditioning technician. This issue calls for a more complex process and specialized equipment. The discharge line temperature, suction and discharge pressure, and a compressor valve test may all be used in the diagnosis.
Frozen Coils
One of the biggest causes of an air conditioner overheating is frozen coils. The compressor and other components have to work harder because the ice restricts airflow into and out of the device. The mechanism gradually becomes stressed as the system operates harder. If the device overheats, the air conditioner may turn off.
Steps To Take:
The GE manuals advise setting the thermostat to “High Fan” or “High Cool” and the highest temperature when the air conditioner is freezing up. This will promote ventilation and cause the frozen components’ ice to thaw.
Alternately, you can manually defrost the air conditioner by turning it off for many hours.
Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels typically indicate a leak. The typical warning signs are frozen coils, a low hissing sound, and water pooling under the unit with a thin oily film on top of the pool of water.
If the air conditioner is not effectively cooling the space as it once did, you may have low refrigerant levels. Because low refrigerants could result in overheating, an air conditioner may shut off.
Steps to Take:
It is advised to stop using the air conditioner if you think there may be a refrigerant leak in order to prevent further damage to the system’s parts. To fix the issue, make an instant call to a qualified specialist. After repairing the leak and recharging the refrigerant, the technician will identify any more underlying problems.
Defective Thermostat
A broken thermostat might cause an air conditioner to shut off entirely or cycle on and off continuously. The heating and cooling modes are set via the thermostat. It can alter the power or control settings if it disconnects from the system computer.
Steps To Take:
Here are some actions you can do to restore your thermostat’s dependability:
- Swap out for a fresh set of batteries
- To ensure that the sensors are free from obstructions, lightly brush the interior of the thermostat.
- Verify that the settings are accurate.
- Adjust the thermostat.
Call a specialist to determine whether it’s time to replace the thermostat if it continues to disconnect and change settings on its own.
Filters Are Unclean
One of the easiest and, shockingly, most frequently ignored fixes for common air conditioner issues is filter cleaning. As was already said, clogged filters obstruct airflow, resulting in inadequate cooling and overheating.
Steps To Take:
Use the brush attachment on the vacuum to gently clean the filter. If the filter is excessively dirty, wash it with water and gentle soap. To get rid of stink, rinse with a solution of baking soda and water. Before putting the filter back in the machine, properly dry it.
Every 250 hours of use or every 30 days, according to GE, the filter should be cleaned. Replace replaceable filters on air conditioner models as directed in the product manual. You may order new filters for GE products online. Just make sure it works with the air conditioner you have.
In An AC Unit, What Does Short Cycle Mean?
Another instance of an air conditioner turning on and off and off again is short cycling. Let’s take a closer look at the compressor’s operation to better grasp this.
The compressor of an air conditioner runs until the temperature setting on the thermostat is reached. The compressor is then lowered by the system. This procedure is known as one cycle, and it normally lasts between 10 and 20 minutes. When the compressor shuts off in the middle of a cycle before the thermostated temperature is reached, the cycle is now referred to as being short.
Why does the unit suffer harm after a brief cycle? The compressor, one of the most important components of an air conditioner, experiences accelerated wear and tear as a result. Additionally, replacing it is incredibly expensive. In many circumstances, owners are forced to simply buy a new air conditioner unit if the compressor malfunctions.
Frozen coils, clogged filters, low refrigerants, incorrectly sized air conditioners, and miscalibrated thermostats can all cause short cycling. The aforementioned problems can be fixed in order to stop the compressor from short cycling.
How Can My GE Air Conditioner Be Reset?
An air conditioner that has been reset returns to its factory settings. In most cases, this technique takes care of minor problems with the thermostat and electrical connections. A quick reset is an essential procedure. You may accomplish it yourself by adhering to a few straightforward steps:
- Start by turning the air conditioner off entirely. Offset the power switch and the thermostat.
- Remove the air conditioner’s plug from the outlet.
- Reset the main power source (circuit breaker) by turning it off for a brief period of time and then turning it back on.
- Reconnect the air conditioner’s electrical plug.
- Locate the reset button, then press and hold it for five seconds.
- Ten minutes at the very least should pass before turning on the electricity.
Before setting the thermostat to the desired setting, give the system some time to restore. It’s time to call a technician if the device continues to shut off despite a power reset.
How Can I Reach GE?
You can visit the GE website to view a comprehensive list of services if you have any questions about GE servicing and repairs. Before reserving and arranging a repair service, find out the cost to help you make smarter choices.
Conclusion
Cleaning the air filters is a straightforward fix for an air conditioner that keeps shutting off. Purchasing a new compressor, however, is a more involved and expensive option. It’s always advisable to call GE services and repairs to have a qualified technician repair the item if simple troubleshooting fails.
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