In theory, yes, but running the air conditioner in this way is going to raise the energy bills and it will cost a lot of money. During the hotter summer months, people look for ways to make their homes cooler without breaking the bank. Of course, running the AC constantly will make the home feel cooler, but the cost for most people would be prohibitive. But, if you’ve noticed that the air conditioner is running all the time and the home never seems to reach the temperature set on the thermostat there is a problem. In this article, we will take a closer look at this problem in more detail to help you make informed choices.

Why is My Air Conditioner Running Constantly?

If the AC system is running constantly, but the home never seems to reach the desired internal temperatures this is a sure sign that something is wrong. Depending on your specific situation there are four possible causes. They are:

1.   The Air Conditioner Unit is Undersized

If the AC system is running constantly and you cannot feel any cool air at the vent, this usually means that the air conditioner unit is too small. Before an AC system is installed there should be a professional load calculation to determine the right system size for the home.

There are free online load calculation tools, but these only work on the square footage of the home, and other key factors are ignored. Some of these key factors include the number of windows, insulation levels, the orientation of the home, and many more. A load calculation is complex, it should be carried out by a HVAC professional and there are consequences if the installed equipment is too small or too large.

When the AC unit is too small it will constantly struggle to reach the cooler temperatures set on the thermostat. It simply doesn’t have sufficient power to remove the heat throughout the entire home and an upgrade is required. When an undersized AC system is running, the pressure in the evaporator may be reduced and the cooling coil will freeze. This can cause the refrigerant to flood into the compressor unit which can cause damage.

2.   A Poorly Maintained AC Unit

All HVAC equipment is complex, it needs to be maintained to meet the requirements of a warranty if one remains and to prevent repairs and an earlier than expected replacement. An AC system represents a significant investment and it makes good sense to protect it against damage. For this reason, we recommend that an AC system is inspected and serviced annually before the heating season begins. This will reduce the risk of the system failing when the weather is warmer and extend the lifespan of the equipment. Well maintained equipment tends to have improved performance and energy efficiency too.

One important maintenance task is a humble air filter change which anyone can do with no special skills or tools. The filter should be changed every three months and the changes can be more frequent if the system is used more frequently. This is important because dirty filters can add 5-15% to a month’s energy bill and a fresh filter is inexpensive in comparison. The full instructions to change the filter are detailed in the owner’s manual for your system. Just make sure you get the correct air filter to ensure that the air cannot pass around it. The serial number for a filter is usually printed on the rim and it should match the filter numbers for your system.

3.   Restricted Airflow

The lack of cooler air at the vents could be caused by an obstruction or other problem that’s restricting the flow of treated air. So, the AC unit may be running constantly, but you never seem to get the cooling throughout the home that you need. There are several signs that restricted air may be the cause of this problem:

  • The air filter is dirty, it needs to be replaced or cleaned.
  • The air is cool at the vents, but the airflow feels weaker than normal.
  • The ductwork that delivers the treated air is cracked, broken, improperly sized, or poorly fitted.
  • The ducts are dirty and blocked.
  • The blower unit motor is failing.
  • The evaporator coils are frozen.

There are many ways to fix restricted airflow problems, such as duct cleaning, maintenance, and a simple air filter change that we mentioned above. Taking prompt action is important, these problems don’t improve if they are ignored.

4.   Insufficient Insulation

Home insulation is extremely important to keep the hot air out of the home in summer and the warm in the home when it’s cold outside. This is a truly passive technology, once the insulation is installed it requires no power and upkeep to work. But, if you have insufficient insulation or it’s very old and thin, it won’t help much. An overworked AC system may be struggling because extra heat is penetrating the home.

Another common problem is air leaks at the door and window frames where the treated air can escape. Adding extra layers of insulation, using caulk on window leaks, and weather-stripping the door frames can make a huge difference.

How to Keep Your Home Cooler for Less

Let’s take a look at some ways to improve the performance of the AC system without driving up the energy bills.

  • Use your ceiling fans to distribute the treated air more efficiently.
  • Add foam insulation to the home to lower the monthly energy bills throughout the entire year.
  • Consider a programmable or smart thermostat to improve the functionality and efficiency of the HVAC system.
  • Open the windows at night to draw in fresh air to improve the indoor air quality (IAQ).
  • If there are pets in the home change the filter more frequently to prevent pet hair and dander clogging the filter surface.
  • Invest in regular HVAC maintenance to improve performance, energy efficiency, and the longevity of the systems.

If you want to schedule some essential AC maintenance, ductwork cleaning or you’re considering an upgrade, contact your local heating and cooling specialist.