Even during the hottest days of the year, it’s not normal for your air conditioner to run all day. If it is, chances are this is a sign of a problem that an HVAC technician can help you address.
May in Ohio means we’re approaching some of the hottest weeks of the year between June and August, so now’s a great time to have a professional address any issues your AC might have.
Why Is My AC Always Running?
When an air conditioning unit is constantly running, it’s not running efficiently. This means that there are a few different kinds of problems you can encounter, each with its own unique solution.
Addressing these problems sooner rather than later is best because it can mean avoiding a catastrophic failure of your AC system, having to go without it after it dies during a heatwave, and avoiding an unnecessary increase in your energy bills.
Your Air Conditioner Requires Maintenance
Although modern AC units are built to last 15-20 years, they need routine maintenance and repairs to keep them running for that long.
Think about your car: If you never took it in for maintenance, what would happen? Your engine oil would turn into sludge, which would cause your engine to work much harder than it has to. The same is true for your AC. If you run it without regular maintenance, eventually its inner workings will have to work harder to do the same job. In this case, working harder can mean always running.
Your AC Needs to Be Replaced
We previously mentioned that modern, well-maintained AC units can last a little longer than 15 years. If your AC system is at or near this age, it simply might be approaching the end of its operational life if it’s always running.
In this case, it might be better for your bottom line to purchase a new unit as opposed to addressing frequent repairs with bills that will add up over time.
Here are a few signs that an AC unit could be on its way out:
- Constant running/frequent cycling
- Lack of airflow throughout your home
- Warm airflow when AC runs
- Unusual sounds (clanking, banging, scratching, etc.)
- Foul odors
- Moisture buildup and leaking
- High energy bills
Even if your air conditioner isn’t that old, it may need to be replaced. Its actual lifespan depends on a variety of factors, including how often it’s used, how well it’s maintained, its location on your property, and its installation quality.
Your AC Is Too Small
Air conditioning units aren’t one-size-fits-all devices. Some are moderately powerful appliances meant to cool homes of modest sizes, while others are much larger and intended to cool more extensive homes.
If your AC is always running, there’s a chance it’s just too small to handle your home’s cooling needs. When that’s the case, it’ll keep running in an attempt to lower the temperature in your home, but that just may not be possible until the evening or night comes.
The best way to address this problem is to replace your AC with one that’s suitable for the size of your home. Contacting a professional HVAC technician for guidance is a great way to get started.
Restricted Airflow
Another reason your AC could be running all the time is airflow restriction. This problem can involve your AC conditioner, air ducts, vents, or all of the above. Airflow restriction can occur if something is obstructing the blower, such as debris, or if the blower itself is breaking down. Dirty air filters can also restrict airflow, and vents in your home that may be blocked or closed.
Inadequate Home Insulation
Lastly, your home’s insulation could be to blame. This is possible if your AC unit is working as it should be and there are no identifiable problems with it or your overall HVAC system. If your home simply isn’t trapping in cool air, inadequate insulation could be causing a much quicker heat exchange with the temperature outside than it could be.
Let Us Help You Keep Your Home Cool
If your air conditioning unit won’t stop running, Bay Heating & Air Conditioning can help you address this problem. By having our technicians come out for an inspection, we can identify the underlying cause of this issue and offer solutions that can work for you.
Learn more and request an appointment with Bay Heating & Air Conditioning today by contacting us online.