Why is My Air Conditioner Running Constantly?

Is your air conditioning unit continuously cycling on and off all day long? Has your electric bill gone up considerably in the last couple of months? The worst time for your air conditioning unit to break down is when you need it the most. There are several reasons why this might be happening. Getting to the root cause will help solve the issue quickly and efficiently. It could be something simple, like a switch being left in the “on” position or one of the issues listed below.

1. Your air conditioner has a dirty air filter.

Many homeowners change their air filters once every three months or when they get dirty. If the filter is clogged with dirt, it will restrict the airflow, which can put more stress on the system, causing it to cycle more often. In addition, it has to work harder to remove the heat and humidity from the air, which can cause wear and tear on the parts.

2. Low coolant levels.

A system that doesn’t have enough coolant won’t be able to maintain a set temperature. The unit keeps running to stabilize the room temperature, but this won’t happen because it doesn’t have enough coolant to do the job. In addition, a minor leak in the coils often causes a low coolant charge. An HVAC professional can recharge the system for you and have your air conditioning unit running in tip-top shape in no time.

3. Your thermostat is not working properly.

If your air conditioner doesn’t turn off when it is supposed to, it may be due to the thermostat not working properly. The system works off the temperature set by the thermostat, so if it is not working properly, the system won’t know when to shut off. It might be as simple as the batteries may need replacing or the thermostat itself. Solving the thermostat problem may put an end to the system running non-stop.

4. Dirty or blocked condenser coils.

If your condenser coils on the outdoor unit are blocked by dead leaves or debris, it can restrict airflow to the indoor unit. Cleaning the outdoor unit periodically will ensure that it is not blocked by dirt, leaves, yard clippings, or animal nests.

5. Frozen evaporator coil.

When you turn on your air conditioner, does it blow out warm air? If the air coming through the vents is warm, it may indicate a frozen evaporator coil. Restricted airflow is one cause of a coil freezing up because the circulating coolant can’t absorb the heat. If this happens, turn off the system and call an HVAC company for a repair visit.

6. The air conditioning unit size is wrong.

If you just bought your home and it is having this problem, it may be because it is too small for the size of the house. The previous owners may have done some remodeling but didn’t consider upgrading to a larger unit, and it is struggling to keep up. Book an assessment with 4Front Energy and have our experts suggest the proper A/C unit size for your home.

If you have any issues with your HVAC system, contact 4Front Energy for more information or schedule a repair visit.