“Why is my AC always running?” We get asked that question quite a lot.
Now that hot weather has arrived, you’re probably using your air conditioner more often. Should you be concerned if your air conditioning unit is always running?
If your home stays comfortable and your energy bills are about the same as usual, you probably don’t need to worry.
But if your air conditioner is constantly running and the thermostat temperature is never reached, you might have a problem with your AC unit.
It’s normal for your air conditioner to run more often in hot weather., but it’s a waste of energy when your air conditioner runs more frequently than it should, and leads to higher utility bills.
Something may be wrong if your home does not get cool despite your air conditioner constantly running.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Always Running?
Here are nine possible reasons why your air conditioner is running constantly.
1. Your air conditioner is getting older
Air conditioners start to lose their ability to cool your home as they age.
As components wear out and become less efficient, your air conditioner needs to run longer in order to keep your home cool. Central air conditioners typically last ten to fifteen years. If yours is older, it may be time to consider replacing it.
2. Your A/C unit is too small
If your air conditioner isn’t big enough, it will run continuously because it doesn’t have enough power to cool your home properly.
The best solution is to install a correctly-sized new AC unit.
3. The thermostat is set too low
Setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature will not cool your home any faster.
If there is a large difference between the outdoor temperature and the temperature you want inside, your air conditioner will run continually in order to keep up.
4. Your thermostat isn’t working properly
If your thermostat is faulty, your air conditioner will not turn off even after it reaches the desired temperature.
Check your thermostat to see whether the temperature in the room is lower than the thermostat’s temperature. If so, the thermostat likely needs to be replaced.
5. You need to replace your air filters
Changing your air filters once a month is important to keep your air conditioner working its best.
Clogged air filters create all sorts of A/C problems, including impeded airflow, lower energy efficiency, and unhealthy indoor air quality. Dirty filters lead your air conditioner to run longer to reach your desired temperature.
6. You aren’t using the correct air filter
Even if you change your filters regularly, you might be using a filter that is too restrictive for your air conditioning unit.
It may be necessary to choose a filter with a lower MERV rating. The higher MERV rating your air filter has, the higher the air resistance will be. Your HVAC technician can help you select the best air filter for your unit.
7. You have leaky air ducts
You might be losing cold air through leaks in your air ducts.
This is especially likely if the ductwork in your home is older. When cold air escapes from your air ducts, the room will not reach the desired temperature and the air conditioner will keep running.
8. The refrigerant is low
Your air conditioning unit can’t cool your home if it doesn’t have enough refrigerant in the system.
Low refrigerant is often the result of leaks in the coils. You will need help from an experienced HVAC technician to repair any leaks and restore the refrigerant level.
9. Your air conditioner needs maintenance
The hot summer is no time to be left without air conditioning.
Schedule an annual air conditioning tune-up to make sure your unit performs when you need it the most. Your HVAC technician will replace your filters and inspect the major components of your air conditioning unit.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner is constantly running, contact us today at (651) 294-7798 to schedule your A/C repair.
The sooner you call us, the sooner we can get your AC working properly again.
