Why Does My A/C Run Constantly?

Air conditioners are crucial in order to help us get through the hottest parts of the year. But sometimes it may seem like your unit is working harder than it should.  If you wonder, “Why does my A/C run constantly?” or “Why is my air conditioner not cooling to the set temperature?” you’re not alone.

Since they are complex machines, a lot can go wrong with an air conditioner when you least expect it. Any issues should be dealt with as quickly as possible to ensure that no further damage happens to your unit. Here are a few of the most common A/C concerns.

My A/C Won’t Stop Running

This is a pretty common problem that occurs with A/C units, and there are a number of reasons for it. Call in a technician at the first sign of any of these issues:

• Dirty evaporator coil
• Frozen evaporator coil
• Low refrigerant charge
• Thermostat isn’t working correctly
• Ducts are leaking
• Improper sized unit for your home
• Clogged or dirty air filter (if you suspect a dirty or clogged filter, you can try cleaning or replacing the filter yourself to see if this helps. If it doesn’t, it may be time to call in a professional)

Air Conditioner Not Cooling to Set Temperature

This annoying occurrence could also be the result of a few of the same problems we’ve just discussed. A dirty air filter, refrigerant leak, leaky ducts or malfunctioning thermostat could all be the reason for your home not cooling down, but there are also a few other causes.

• Your outdoor condenser may be suffocating. Make sure no debris, shrubbery or garbage is blocking it from breathing correctly.
• Do you have an older air conditioner? Like most things, items can wear down over time and start to function improperly. In this case, it might be time for a new A/C unit.
• Your A/C might also be too small for your home. If the unit isn’t powerful enough to get cool air to all parts of your home, it will appear as if it’s not doing its job correctly. Again, a new unit might be the only solution.

A/C Compressor Not Turning On

Any issues with your compressor are a big deal. Your compressor plays a major role in how your A/C keeps your house cool. To start, visually inspect your compressor (typically located in the outdoor unit attached to your home) to make sure that it has power going to it. A breaker could have been tripped, or a fuse may have blown.

If may be possible that any of these components could be at fault: capacitors, start relays, valves and terminal connections.

Any issues with your compressor should be inspected by an expert technician, as serious injury could occur if you try and do it yourself.

If you’ve had any problems with your A/C unit, or you’ve been wondering, “why does my A/C run constantly?” then contact the cooling professionals at Comfort Plus ClimateCare today for immediate assistance.