Why Is My Air Conditioner Constantly Running?

We have seen some unusually hot days these last few weeks, and your air conditioner may seem to be running nonstop. You might ask yourself, “Why is my air conditioner constantly running? Is this normal, or is something wrong?”

Before calling a repair company, ask yourself a few things. Are you staying comfortable? Does the airflow from your vents seem reasonable? Are your energy bills staying about the same as they were last year? If not, here are a few things to consider.

Check your air filter

A dirty air filter will restrict airflow, and this will cut down on the amount of cold air your air conditioner unit can produce. When your air filter is clogged, your unit must work harder to compensate, making your air conditioner run more throughout the day.

Air conditioning coils are covered in dirt

Similar to your air filter, if your condenser coils are dirty, the airflow will be blocked. You can maintain condenser coil efficiency by merely hosing down your unit. Make sure to turn off any electrical power to your system first.

Something else is blocking air to the blower

Open all return and supply vents and make sure rugs, curtains or furniture are not blocking them.

The thermostat is not working

If it seems like your system never shuts off, the issue could be your thermostat. Your home may have reached the correct temperature, but if the thermostat isn’t working, it will not correctly register it. When temperatures reach triple digits, keeping your home between 74 and 78 degrees to make sure your unit doesn’t overwork.

Home has air leaks or poor insulation

If you are losing cool air through air leaks and poor insulation, your home may never reach the desired temperature, causing the air conditioning unit to run continuously.

Your unit needs maintenance

If your ducts, coils, and air filter aren’t clean, you will likely encounter airflow problems. It is recommended that a licensed technician perform maintenance twice a year to ensure your system is clean and properly lubricated. He/she will also conduct efficiency tests, replace worn parts, and confirm that your thermostat is functioning correctly.

Undersized unit for your home

Air conditioners must be adequately sized for your home. If it’s undersized, your air conditioner can’t keep up and runs continuously. This can cause your coils to freeze and refrigerant to flood back into your compressor and break it, which can be a very costly repair. You can read our previous blog to learn more about how we can come in and do an analysis of your home.

Your unit needs to be replaced

All air conditioning units have a lifespan of typically 15-20 years. Even if you’ve done everything you can to keep it properly maintained, it will eventually wear out. You may want to consider replacing your old, inefficient unit with a new one. This will also save you money in the long run, because newer units run much more efficiently, saving you money on utility bills.

At Western Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is to make you and your home as comfortable as possible. If you find yourself asking “Why is my AC constantly running?” Or if you’ve got further questions or would like to schedule an appointment for general maintenance or repair, don’t hesitate to call us at (801) 224-8899 or visit www.Westernheatingair.com. Our dedicated team is here to help you with all your home comfort needs.