My A/C in my home cools, but about 3 PM it stops and I have to shut it off for 1 hr before it cools again?

Question

My A/C in my home cools, but about 3 PM it stops and I have to shut it off for 1 hr before it cools again?

Answer 1

Needs to be serviced

Answer 2

What stops?  Does the indoor blower stop or the condensing unit?  Does the breaker trip?

Answer 3

Are you on a peak demand shut off program from the power company?

If its shutting off at 3 PM every day expect Saturday and Sunday I would say that is the problem.

Answer 4

Here is a couple of things you can check for...

Answer 5

Not much inf. 3pm but it might be over charge ,too much refrigerant.

Answer 6

Check filters first, and as long as it's not freezing up, check to see if the coils on the outside unit are plugged up.  If so, turn off power and give them a good flushing with a garden hose.  Don't be afraid to soak it down good,...make sure that the water blasts through the coils to expel any dirt, being careful not to bend the fins over with the water pressure, and that may do it for you.  

  If the filter and the outside coils are clean and you still have the problem, you're probably in for a service call.  Good luck.

20+ yrs HVAC tech.