While many of us enjoy the summer months, feeling sticky and hot inside your home can undoubtedly sap your enthusiasm. When you start using your air conditioner, you may find that your air conditioner appears to be continually running, and you’ll need to address this before the full heat of summer arrives. So, here we’ll explore this topic further and help you trace the source of the problem.
Your System Is Improperly Sized or Installed
The most obvious cause of an air conditioner running constantly is that it has not been properly sized. If the unit is too small, it is forced to work harder to try to cool your home. This not only prevents the unit from achieving your desired comfort levels, but causes increased wear and tear that will reduce the equipment lifespan and increase the chances of breakdown issues developing. If the unit is too large, it will be ineffective at removing the moisture from your indoor air, creating a moist, clammy environment. Additionally, the larger capacity will mean that the system will have shorter than optimal run times, so it will use more energy as it constantly flicks on and off.
You Have a Clogged Air Filter
If it has been a while since you last checked your air filter, it is likely to be clogged and restricting the airflow. A clogged filter prevents cooled air from passing through the system, forcing the system to work harder to compensate. Dirty air filters are a leading cause of HVAC breakdown, as the system works harder, causing overheating issues to develop. Without sufficient air flowing through the system, your air conditioner will struggle to remove the humidity and cool your air, so the equipment will run constantly. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning or replacing filters once a month, during periods of heavy use.
Dirty Air Conditioner Coils
The condenser coils in your air conditioner system are located in the outdoor unit. Unfortunately, the outdoor unit is prone to getting infiltrated by grass clippings, plants, leaves, dirt and other garden debris. When the coils are dirty, the system efficiency is compromised, as the equipment cannot effectively manage the heat transfer process. It is important to check your outdoor unit to ensure that it is clear of garden debris, and clean any dirt from the coils before the hot, summer weather arrives.
Faulty Thermostat
Another reason why your air conditioner may constantly be running is that you have a faulty thermostat. The thermostat needs to register the conditions inside your home to trigger the system to switch on or shut off. If your thermostat has developed a fault, the system may run constantly, or you may struggle to get it working. Thermostats are generally reliable, but there are a few things to check to ensure that yours is working correctly. Firstly, check the batteries in your thermostat are good; you’ll find instructions to change the batteries in your owner’s manual. Secondly, check that the thermostat settings are correct. It is very easy to accidentally change the settings, and this can create performance problems. If these two measures have not corrected the problem, you’ll need help from an HVAC professional to troubleshoot further.