Why is My A/C Running Constantly?

Is your air conditioner running but not lowering temperature? It could be an abnormally hot day or a sign of something more serious.Stan's Heating and Air Conditioning has a few reasons why your AC continues to run and some possible solutions to fix the problem.

Reasons Your A/C is Running Constantly

The thermostat is set too low.

If the air conditioner is running but not lowering temperature, it could be a problem with the thermostat. Either the unit is malfunctioning or you have the temperature set too low. For example, if it's 89 degrees outside and you've set the thermostat to 65, the air conditioner may never stop running because of the massive temperature difference. Try setting the thermostat to 72 or 74 to see if the AC works properly again.

The air filter is dirty and clogged.

Air filters capture dust, dirt and debris and keep it from circulating through the air conditioner and in your home. If it's clogged, it can put stress on the unit and keep it from operating efficiently. Sometimes changing the filter solves the problem right away. Consider keeping a pack of filters on hand and changing them every 30-60 days, as manufacturers recommended. If you suffer from allergies and/or have pets, you should replace the filter even more frequently.

The air conditioner isn't the right size.

AC running constantly does not shut off when set temp reached? It could be a problem with the air conditioner's size. If it's too small for your home, it won't have the power to cool it efficiently. It will run constantly and not only damage the air conditioner but also increase your power bill. The best solution is to install the right-sized unit for your home to remedy the problem.

The unit is too old.

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. Your air conditioner will reach a point at which it can't keep up with the cooling demands of your home. However, you can prolong its life with routine maintenance. A couple tune-ups each year will go a long way in keeping your air conditioner operating efficiently. If the unit is beyond the point of repair, it may be time to replace it altogether.

The house has air leaks.

Sometimes the problem isn't with the air conditioner; it's the home's insulation. A poorly insulated home will have numerous cracks and crevices and leak air to the outside, causing everything from drafts to major fluctuations in the indoor temperature. It causes a lot of problems, from increased energy bills to air conditioner damage. Properly insulating your home will make it more energy efficient and improve the overall heating and cooling.

How to Fix Your Air Conditioner Running Constantly

When your air conditioner is running but not lowering temperature, it could be anything from a bad air filter to a faulty unit. A routine maintenance check can help to catch the signs before they turn into something worse. If you need air conditioner repair, installation or maintenance, contact Stan's to schedule service with our air conditioning and heating specialists.