When an air conditioning (AC) unit switches off after reaching the temperature set on the thermostat, it is functioning as expected and is a sign that the thermostat and AC unit are working correctly. This behaviour is part of the normal operation of a thermostat-controlled cooling system and is designed to maintain the desired temperature in the room efficiently. Here's how it works:
Temperature Setting: When you set the thermostat to a specific temperature, the AC unit runs until the room temperature reaches that set point. Thermostat Sensor: The thermostat has a built-in sensor that measures the temperature of the room's air. Once the air temperature reaches the set point, the thermostat signals the AC unit to switch off. Maintaining Temperature: The AC unit will remain off until the temperature in the room rises above the set point. When this happens, the thermostat signals the AC unit to turn back on and cool the air until the set point is reached again. This cycle of the AC unit turning on and off to maintain the set temperature is known as the "cycle of operation." It helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room while also ensuring energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary cooling. If you are experiencing issues with your AC unit switching off before reaching the set temperature, it could indicate a problem with the thermostat, the AC unit, or the temperature sensor. In such cases, it's best to contact a qualified HVAC technician for inspection and repair.