If your mini split air conditioner keeps shutting off, don’t panic! There are a few common causes and solutions that you can try. First, I’ll explain why this happens, followed by hands-on guidance on how to fix it. Keep reading—you may find the solution faster than you think!
Why Your Mini Split Keeps Shutting Off
Before you buy a new mini-split, let's see if we can get your mini-split working again. Here are a few reasons your mini-split could keep shutting off:
Dirty Air Filters
One of the most common reasons your mini split keep shutting off on its own is because of dirty air filters. This is because your air filters are responsible for trapping dirt and dust particles from the air circulating in your home. When the filter becomes clogged with debris, it limits the airflow going through the system and prevents it from operating efficiently.
Fixing The Issue
To fix this issue, you need to replace your air filter regularly—though how often you need to do so depends on how much debris is present in your home’s air. Ideally, you should make sure that you replace or clean your filter every 2-3 months at least. For personalized filter replacement guidance, use a mini split sizing calculator. It factors in room size, insulation, and local climate to recommend the ideal frequency for changing your air filter.Cleaning the filter may help extend its lifespan by one or two months, but if you detect any significant build-up of dust or dirt, it’s best to just replace it entirely. Once you’ve replaced/cleaned your filter, check if that fixes the problem with your mini split shutting off randomly.
Refrigerant Levels Too Low
If your mini split keep shutting off, it could be because the refrigerant levels are too low. Refrigerant is a chemical substance that helps your air conditioner cool off its surroundings—and when the levels are low, it can cause the unit to shut down. To fix this issue, you'll need to check the refrigerant levels and recharge them if needed.
Luckily, recharging your mini split isn't too complicated—but it's best left to an HVAC technician. They have the right tools and expertise to check for leaks, reconnect any loose parts, and recharge the refrigerant safely. So if you think that low refrigerant might be causing your air conditioner to shut down, give a professional a call and see what they can do!
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Faulty Thermostat
The best way to fix this is to replace the thermostat with a new one. This will ensure your unit is accurate and there won't be any miscommunication between the indoor and outdoor units. Here are some tips for replacing your mini split thermostat:
Make sure you purchase the right replacement thermostat for your unit. It's important that you get an exact match or else you run the risk of damaging other components in the unit or not having a working thermostat at all.
Wiring a Thermostat
Take extra precautions when wiring up the new thermostat, being sure to match each wire accordingly (color and size) so they fit snugly into their respective ports on the new device.
Once everything is connected securely, test out your new mini split air conditioner by turning it on and adjusting the temperature settings on both indoor and outdoor units to make sure everything is running as intended!
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Issues With the Compressor
If your mini split keep shutting off, one of the issues you might be encountering is an issue with the compressor. This is when the compressor motor gets stuck in the on position and causes the unit to run continually, even when it reaches the desired temperature. In this case, you'll need to have a technician take a look at it, as they'll be able to access and fix any problems with the compressor.
When asked for a professional opinion, technicians usually recommend specific actions like:
Check for a blown fuse: This could be indicative of characteristics such as too high-pressure discharge from the air conditioner or blocked lines.
Check for a faulty thermostat: If your mini split isn't able to turn itself off when it reaches its target temperature, this could be due to a faulty or poorly calibrated thermostat.
Check for loose wiring: Loose wiring can cause problems such as improper voltage readings that can lead to mini-split shut-offs.
Check refrigerant levels (if applicable): A low refrigerant level can cause an air conditioner to run excessively and ultimately shut off prematurely.
Having a technician come and evaluate your mini-split is important to identify any issues quickly and efficiently before any more damage is done to the unit.
Drain Line Clogs
If your mini split shuts off and won't turn back on, it's possible that the drain line may be clogged. The condensate should be draining away from the system, but if something is blocking the drain line, that could be why your mini-split keeps shutting off.
Before you do anything, make sure to turn off the power to the air conditioner at the circuit breaker so that you don't accidentally electrocute yourself when you're clearing out the drain line.
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Check for algae growth
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Algae growth is a common issue that causes blockages in the drain line. You can check for algae by inspecting both ends of the drain pipe (where it connects to your indoor and outdoor units). If you find algae growth or any other blockages here, you'll need to clear it out with a vacuum cleaner attachment or a special brush designed specifically for this purpose.
Look for debris in the air filter
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If there aren't any blockages near the air conditioner's indoor or outdoor units, then you might want to check your air filter—it could be clogged up with debris like dust and dirt particles. A clogged-up filter will restrict airflow and cause your mini-split to shut down. To fix this issue, just clean or replace your air filter as needed.
Preventative Maintenance for Your Mini Split to Avoid Frequent Shutting Off
Clean the Condenser Coil
The condenser coil–the part that's outside–is probably the most important part of the system when it comes to preventing issues with your mini-split. You should clean this at least once a year, especially if you live in an area with pollen or other allergens. This will help keep your air conditioner running smoothly and efficiently and make sure it doesn't overwork itself and start shutting off.
Change Your Filters
It's also essential that you change your filters at least once every two months—depending on how much dust, pollen, and other allergens are in the air in your area—otherwise dirt buildup inside the unit can cause the fan motors to overwork themselves. The filter should also be changed after major storms or construction projects that bring lots of dirt into the area.
Check for Leaks/Damaged Parts
You should also periodically inspect your mini-split for leaks or cracked parts that could cause problems with overheating or freezing up, which could result in frequent shut-offs as well.
Why Does My Mini Split Keep Shutting Off
In conclusion, if your mini split is shutting off constantly, you want to look into the causes to figure out the problem — it could be something as minor as a blocked air filter or as major as a faulty part. Regardless of the cause, it's essential to troubleshoot the issue and try to fix it yourself or call a professional to avoid system damage and ensure your mini split air conditioner runs at its best.
