The issue of continuously running air conditioning is a problem many homeowners face. Though there are numerous reasons why this may occur to your AC, it’s an issue experienced professionals can solve.
Some possible reasons for your AC running continuously could be that the thermostat is set incorrectly, the unit is too large for the area, leaks in the ductwork or the AC is low on refrigerant. The more serious ones to look out for are those we’ll explore here in our list:
Clogs
When the air filter of your air conditioning is clogged with dirt or debris, it might restrict the flow of air. This can keep your AC running even if it has already reached the desired temperature.
If it’s been a while since you’ve replaced your air filter, it’s probably clogged with dirt and debris, restricting airflow. This will reduce the cool air your air conditioner can produce, making it seem like running more throughout. When your AC’s air filter is clogged, its air handler must work harder to compensate for the reduced airflow.
When the weather gets warmer, many think about firing up the air conditioner to keep our homes cool and comfortable. But before you do, it’s important to ensure your AC unit is in good working order.
This is why the filter is one of the most crucial components in any air conditioning. An unclean filter makes your system work inefficiently, causing it to overheat, so clean the debris that builds up on your filters to aid with airflow. Replace your filters around once a month or as the manufacturer recommends.
What happens when you ignore this? Without ample air flowing over the coils, the air conditioning can’t remove humidity and cool the space according to the set temperature, so it keeps running when it shouldn’t. This wastes energy and drives up your utility bills, and can cause the system to overheat and break down. So be sure to keep those filters dust-free!
Dirty Coils
If your AC’s evaporator coil is dirty, it won’t be able to cool your home properly. This can lead to various problems, including making your AC unit work harder than it needs to and making your home less comfortable.
Also, the condenser coils must be cleaned because they can become covered in outdoor dirt and debris. You can remove this build-up by hosing down the unit and helping keep the coils working efficiently. Remember to turn off any power to the system before beginning this cleaning process.
Duct Leaks
If your home or room is not well insulated or sealed, your AC unit will work harder to maintain a cool temperature, causing it to run constantly. Poor insulation can cause cool air to escape through small holes or cracks, making your home less comfortable and wasting energy.
Leaky ductwork can cause your air conditioning to run constantly to maintain the desired indoor temperature. This is because the AC unit produces cool air escaping the leaks rather than staying inside the building. If the leaks are not fixed, the AC unit will continue to run nonstop.
A Faulty Thermostat
A thermostat regulates temperature by opening or closing heating or cooling vents. Thermostats are typically reliable but may have occasional problems like other AC unit components.
If your air conditioning is constantly running, it may be due to a faulty thermostat. When a faulty thermostat, the AC may not know how to turn off when the ideal temperature is reached, causing it to run constantly.
Here’s a DIY fix for this problem:
- Step 1: Set your thermostat to a temperature 5 degrees higher or lower than your normal setting. This will depend on the season. For example, set the thermostat to 5 degrees low if it is a cool season. Make sure that the device comes on.
- Step 2: Ensure that your thermostat is set to either “Heat” or “Cool” mode. In addition, check that the main circuit breaker for your AC unit is turned to the “On” position.
- Bonus Step: If none of the above worked, try turning off the power to the air conditioning system at the circuit breaker. If that doesn’t work, continue following the steps in the home guides.
Inaccurate Unit Size
If your air conditioning is constantly running, it may be because it is not the right size for your home. This can happen if you change your home’s layout or add to it without replacing your AC.
If this is the case, your AC may not be able to meet the needs of your home, causing it to run constantly. Getting a correctly sized AC that will cover your entire home is important. An HVAC expert can help you calculate and estimate the right AC size for your home.
- The unit is too big or small: Your central air conditioner must be the right size to work properly. If it is too small, it will have to work harder and will not be able to cool your home properly. This will also reduce the unit’s life.If your AC unit is too big for your home, it won’t work as efficiently, and it will have to work harder, using more electricity and costing you more money.
- The ducts are too small or big: Your ductwork should be sized relative to your air conditioning unit to ensure efficient airflow and distribution of cool air throughout your home. This means that if your air conditioning is installed correctly and is the right size for your space, then 75% of all potential problems can be avoided.
Little to No Maintenance
Air conditioning, like other appliances, needs regular maintenance to function properly. Service checks should happen at least bi-annually, once in the spring before warm weather arrives and once in early fall after cooler weather has arrived.
If your system is not clean, with clean ducts, coils, and air filters, you may have airflow problems and inefficient cycling. Worse, it could suddenly just break down!
Get Professional Help from the HVAC Swami
Can’t solve these Ducane air conditioning problems on your own anymore? Get help from the HVAC Swami today! We’ve got blogs that touch on multiple AC concerns and in-person services when your units need a check-up. Get free quotes now by calling 866-918-3252 or visiting our website!
