Question

Why does my GE air conditioner automatically shuts off when it’s too outside? It blows cold air below 85 degrees, but the thermostat has some kind of issue. It works only below 85 degrees outside. Over that, it shuts off intermittently.

Answer 1

There could be several reasons why your GE air conditioner is automatically shutting off when the outside temperature goes above 85 degrees. Some of the common causes include:

1. Overheating: Air conditioners have safety mechanisms to prevent overheating of their internal components. When the outside temperature is too high, the air conditioner may struggle to dissipate heat efficiently, leading to internal overheating and automatic shutdown to protect the system from damage.

2. High Demand: Extremely hot weather can lead to a higher demand for air conditioning. If the demand exceeds the capacity of the air conditioner, it may shut off intermittently to prevent overload and potential damage.

3. Thermostat Calibration: The thermostat of your air conditioner may not be calibrated correctly. It could be perceiving the outside temperature incorrectly or misinterpreting the actual room temperature, causing the unit to shut off prematurely.

4. Airflow Obstructions: If the air conditioner's outdoor unit is obstructed or clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, it may not be able to draw in enough air to function properly. This can result in overheating and automatic shutdown.

5. Electrical Issues: Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or a weak electrical connection, can cause the air conditioner to shut off when the outside temperature rises too high.

6. Refrigerant Issues: Low refrigerant levels can cause the air conditioner to struggle in cooling effectively, leading to overheating and shutdown.

To address the issue, you can try the following steps:

1. Clean the Outdoor Unit: Make sure the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is clean and free from any obstructions. Check and remove any debris that might be blocking the airflow.

2. Check the Thermostat: Verify that your thermostat is functioning correctly and accurately reading the temperature. If you suspect a calibration issue, consider getting it checked or replaced by a professional.

3. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the indoor unit has adequate ventilation and that there are no obstructions around the vents.

4. Consider Professional Inspection: If the problem persists, it's best to contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect your air conditioner thoroughly. They can diagnose the issue accurately and perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Remember, working with air conditioning systems can be potentially hazardous, so it's advisable to leave any complex repairs to qualified technicians to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of the unit.