Thank you for taking the time to respond. I will take a look at those things regarding the filter and coils. Those things I can replace or clean myself. Anything beyond that seems like I would need to call in a professional.

Some A/C units have a temp sensor that is designed to shut off the compressor if the evaporator coil is close to freezing, since ice would plug up the coil and severely reduce air flow. This can happen due to dirt in the evaporator, clogged filter, exceptionally high humidity, or issues with the refrigerant charge.

Bruce

Thank you Bruce. This has happened a few times this week. The AC kicks off and goes into fan mode. it is extremely hot and humid outside and this is when this issue tends to occur. When this happens, is it better to just turn off the unit? Or is it safe to just let the fan keep running. There are times when I Just leave the fan running and later on the AC would kick in automatically again.

This sounds like the compressor is shutting down due to thermal overload. If the compressor gets too hot then it shuts down in order as protection to permanent damage. One cause could be lack of air flow due to a dirty coils. You can try hosing down the condenser to clean. The more likely cause is a bad run capacitor. One a capacitor begins to fail, the value changes. This could cause more current to flow through the compressor motor windings. The extra current cause an overheat condition on a hot day. Once the compressor cools down it will run until it gets too hot again. One this happens shut down the AC and let it cool off.

You should call a HVAC tech to have the condenser serviced. A capacitor replacement is inexpensive compared to having to replace the compressor.

Thank you Mike. I guess if the AC is shutting itself down because it senses something bad, then that's a good thing. I typically turn everything off and then back on towards the early evening. Then the unit runs OK again. It seems that it shuts in the afternoon timeframe when the sun is out in full force.

Overload protection on the compressor is more about preventing the thing from blowing the terminal plug on the compressor. Once that terminal plug blows you're most likely looking at a new unit.

Other things that occur if overload protection occurs repeatedly -- the freon breaks down due to excessive heat and forms acids in the refrigerant. That acid is then cycled thru your refrigerant system which often winds up in the crankcase of the compressor --- which is precisely where the motor windings are.

The acid then eats the protective layer of the windings. Once that job is complete, the AC cycles on, trips the breaker. Compressor Burnout is the result. New unit most likely is the result.

I service the Katy, Texas area. Nearly 26 years experience actually working on and fixing air conditioners... all brands.

Thank you Austin Air for your input and advice. With your response and everyone else's, a service call is most likely. I'm in Canada so that's a bit far out for you.

You're welcome Jimmy. Use a licensed contractor in your area... avoid gimmicks like my brand is better than your brand type nonsense. It may be a challenge to find someone who fixes versus just trying to sell new equipment.

Sometimes new equipment is the better way, so there is a fine line when it comes to things of this nature. Once you find someone who you trust, just use them. -- Many times this is against the grain of what is recommended on this board.

Keep in mind anyone can do this type of work, but that doesn't mean they should... if you catch my drift.

Little things say a lot... like putting you off. If they're putting you off, show up late excuses of being busy it often tells either they have alot of call backs or they're more about going places for free. These gimmick type services should be avoided.

An expert doesn't work for free. Doesn't need to. Many times these are gut type decisions. If your gut is telling you something, listen to it. Avoid the money argument. If you make decisions only about money (how cheap someone is) --- that's the only reason they exist. When it comes to mechanical equipment and skill (how much or how little one has) once a company has proven they can fix your problem, reward them.

Build a history with them. I was busy all day yesterday with repeat customers / referrals of those customers. If a customer from 5 years ago calls me I know their history. You don't get that by just calling a random company every time you have a problem.

So keep these kinds of things in mind. I know there's not many out there like me, but we do exist.

Thanks again Austin Air. I'll so some research for different companies around my area. But since I have neighbours who have the same unit as mine, I'll talk to them first to get their recommendations and see what they have to say about the person they're using.

Yeah that's not a bad idea either. Good news travels far slower than bad news and reviews are often skewed.

Often times it's only when things don't work that people say anything. If it works you hear nothing. Utter silence...