Why Does My Mini Split Keep Shutting Off?

You love how your mini split remote control makes turning the unit on or off incredibly easy and efficient, but lately, your mini split has been having a problem. It keeps turning itself off rather than you doing it yourself.

What is going on here?

Let’s assess some of the areas that might have gone wrong.

The Mini Split Is Short Cycling

Short cycling is a phenomenon that can occur in air conditioners and mini splits alike. These units are supposed to cool for at least 10 minutes on average, but when they're short cycling, they don’t.

The compressor keeps turning on and off as a consequence, which means your mini split turns on and off right along with it.

The Thermostat Is Malfunctioning

Any type of issue with the mini split’s thermostat is worth paying attention to. If the thermostat reads the temperature incorrectly, after all, then that’s going to impede how your mini split runs.

Even if the temperature is different than what the thermostat says, the mini split could assume it’s reached a warm or cool enough temperature and turn itself off.

Depending on how badly your thermostat is on the fritz, this can cause the mini split to keep powering itself down.

The Evaporator Coils Are Frozen

When the mini split’s coils freeze, the unit can’t work to its normal level of excellent efficiency. As a result, it will keep shutting off.

So why is ice developing on your coils, especially when it’s not even wintertime? Most of the time, dirty coils are likely to accumulate a coating of ice.

If you haven’t changed your mini split filters in a very long time or ever, that’s the first thing you’ll want to do. That can also reduce the short cycling issue you’re facing with your mini split unit.

Cleaning the coils themselves is also recommended. You can always ask your mini split technician to do this during their visit for routine maintenance.

A Lack of Refrigerant

Refrigerant or coolant doesn’t last forever. Once the coolant levels in your mini split deplete to a certain degree, the unit will not have enough coolant to properly cool your home. The mini split will not stay on as a result.

When you replenish the coolant levels or have your mini split technician take care of it, this issue is solved. Do monitor refrigerant levels going forward so they don’t drop low enough again to impede mini split performance.

The Compressor Has Overheated

The outdoor compressor is exposed to far more weather elements than the indoor components of your ductless mini split.

In the summertime, this makes the compressor more prone to overheating. If you’re overworking your mini split such as using it outside of optimal settings, that can also cause overheating no matter the season.

The older your mini split is, the likelier the compressor is to fail sooner or later.

For any issues with the compressor, call out your mini split technician. If they recommend a new compressor, you should take them up on that advice!