When your air conditioner constantly runs all day without shutting off, you likely have an issue with the unit. This constant running can cause extra wear and tear and may be running up your electrical bills. Refer to the following list to troubleshoot possible causes for a constantly running air conditioner.
- Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coil
Did you have your air conditioner serviced this spring before you turned it on for the summer? If not the evaporator coil may be covered with dirt and debris, which impedes the cooling process and makes the unit work harder to cool your space. If your unit is blowing warm air from the supply vents in addition to running constantly, it may have frozen up. Turn the air conditioner completely off and call a professional to diagnose the cause and prevent further damage to the system.
- Clogged Air Filter
When your system’s air filter is full of dirt and debris, the flow of air is restricted and can impede efficient function of your air conditioner. Without enough air flowing over the coils, the system can’t remove humidity and cool the air to the set temperature, so it keeps running when it shouldn’t.
- Low Refrigerant Charge
If you don’t have enough refrigerant in the system, probably due to a leak in the coils, your unit can’t cool the space. When this happens, the air conditioner will constantly run as it works harder. In this case, you need an experienced HVAC service professional to find and repair the leak and restore the refrigerant to the correct level.
- Dirty or Blocked Condenser
Just like the evaporator coils on the inside, the condenser coils on your outdoor unit also need to be cleaned. The flow of air can be impeded by dirt and debris as well as from accumulated leaves or even insect nests. A good cleaning using professional products and tools will take care of any issues of the air conditioner running constantly.
- Incorrectly Sized Unit
Have you recently renovated your space or rearranged the layout of your home without changing your air conditioner? It’s possible that your unit is no longer adequate for the needs of your space. Bring in a certified HVAC professional to do a load calculation, taking into account the design, size and needs of your building as well as windows, sun exposure and insulation.
Many of these issues can be taken care of, and even prevented entirely, with regular maintenance of your equipment. Neglecting this task can be costing you in many ways that you haven’t considered.