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

Your compressor controls an AC’s cooling. When it jeopardizes your AC unit’s functionality, you need to call the area's #1 HVAC team!

To many residents in Boiling Springs, SC, the city’s name seems a little too literal, with near 90-degree temperatures starting in June, just before summer. Scorching days like these only feel bearable with a quality cooling system, but high heat can also affect your AC unit. One of the most common concerns residents have includes, “Why does my AC compressor shut off after 2-3 minutes?” 

Unfortunately, extreme temperatures represent just one of the several reasons your compressor malfunctions. But no matter the cause, Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling, considered “the best AC repair company near me,” has the tools and know-how to diagnose and eradicate the root issue. Below, we’ll delve further into compressors, the reasons they short cycle, and the respective solutions. 

What Is the Normal Cycle for a Compressor?

Typically, a compressor remains on throughout your air conditioner’s cooling cycle, which lasts an average of 15 minutes. 

The cycle starts when the thermostat sends signals to your HVAC system to power on, and the liquid refrigerant begins flowing through the evaporator coil. Through the filters, the air conditioner sucks in warm air from your home and runs it over the evaporator coil so the refrigerant can absorb the warmth, leaving cool air behind. 

The compressor directs the now-gaseous Freon into the compressor, where it pressurizes the molecules. By doing so, the Freon discharges the heat outdoors and reverts to a liquid so it can return to the indoor unit via the condenser coils. The compressor continues this cycle until the indoor temperature matches the thermostat, but if the compressor stays on for less than ten minutes, you have a short cycling issue. 

How Overheating Causes Premature Shutdowns 

Short cycling means your compressor turns off before completing one full cycle only to turn on again not long after. The main cause stems from an overheated air conditioning system since the compressor likely has a thermal cuff that turns off by default when the system exceeds a specific temperature. This process allows your motor and other functioning parts to cool down, especially on hot days, to prevent damage. 

Overheating also develops from:

• Dirty filters or compressors, causing the system to work harder to pull in and release air
• Filthy evaporator and condenser coils that affect the heat exchange process
• Low refrigerant levels that can’t absorb enough warm air, leaving more of it circulating in your unit

Other Causes of a Short Cycling Compressor

Do you change the filters seasonally and have a professional clean internal components semi-annually? Then you may be wondering, “Why does my AC compressor shut off after 2-3 minutes if not because of dirt?” The following includes just a few of the other causes an expert technician would look into. 

Faulty Thermostat

Just as an AC unit sitting in direct sun causes the system to overheat, improper placement of your thermostat leads to the same outcome. For instance, placing the device near openings with airflow, such as doors, windows, and air vents, or near appliances like your stove or oven leads to false readings. These false readings send incorrect temperature control signals to your unit for long or short cycles. 

Bad Capacitor 

The capacitor stores electricity and provides that jolt of current the motor needs to power on and cycle. It also powers the AC compressor, meaning if the capacitor is faulty, the compressor won’t turn on or will turn on and off frequently. The capacitor can fail for numerous reasons, including a power surge or short circuit due to age or wear and tear. 

Oversized or Undersized Compressor

An oversized compressor pressurizes more refrigerant at once, meaning it meets your unit’s demands faster and shuts off prematurely. While this may sound good, especially on hot days, It causes short cycling, which raises utility bills while creating hot and cold spots around your home. An undersized compressor doesn't cool enough air at once, running longer and causing premature wear and tear. 

For 100% Satisfaction on All Your Compressor Needs!

Without a working compressor, you don’t have a functioning air conditioner. Rather than allow this, trust our veteran and family-owned team with regular five-star reviews to find the root cause of your issues and remedy them immediately. 

At Smooth Sailing Heating & Cooling, we provide high-quality and honest workmanship. Whether you wonder why your air conditioner turns off by itself or, more specifically, “Why does my AC compressor shut off after 2-3 minutes?” call (864) 531-7732!