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3 Common Causes of a Constantly Running Air Conditioner
Admin • Jul 18, 2018
In the summer season when outdoor temperatures and humidity are high, you may want your air conditioner to run constantly to provide you and your family with some relief. Your air conditioning system should not have to run constantly to cool and maintain cooler temperatures inside your home. This constant running is not only placing unnecessary stress on your system, but running your system constantly is also wasting energy and money.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners in the United States spend about $29 billion on air conditioning costs each year. Because of the added stress, energy waste, and costs, preventing your AC system from running constantly is smart. This guide and your contractor will help you understand a few common causes of why your air conditioning is constantly running.
Improper Sizing
In regards to your air conditioning system, size matters. Sizing is not referring to the weight or actual dimension of your unit but refers to the capacity of the system.
Your AC unit is measured in tons. Again, this does not refer to the weight of the system, but the amount of heat that your air conditioning can pull out of your home in an hour.
If your system does not have the appropriate number of tons, cooling your home in the most effective and energy-efficient manner will be difficult. If the system's tonnage is too small for your home's square footage and climate, the air conditioning will run constantly in an attempt to reach your desired temperature.
On the other hand, a system too large for your home can be problematic as well. Systems sized too large will stop running once the temperature is met, preventing it from running long enough to pull moisture from the air.
Your contractor should perform a load calculation on your home. This allows them to determine how many tons are required to properly cool your home.
Thermostat Issues
An air conditioning system that is constantly running may also stem from an issue with your thermostat.
In many instances, your air conditioning is working properly, cooling your home to your desired temperature even though the thermostat is not registering it. Without registering the set temperature accurately, your thermostat will allow the system to continue running, placing the unnecessary stress on your system while increasing energy costs.
Thankfully, a simple check will help you determine if your thermostat is faulty or not. Place a thermometer near your thermostat while your air conditioning is running. After a few hours, check the readings on both the thermometer and thermostat. If the thermometer is reading your set temperature while the thermostat is not, your thermostat has an issue.
Consider replacing your thermostat with a new unit to ensure you are cooling your home without waste.
Insufficient Maintenance
As with any other part of your home, maintenance is key. Maintaining your heating and cooling system prolongs the lifespan of your system while ensuring it is working in the best manner possible.
If your air conditioning has been running continuously, you may have missed a few important maintenance steps.
Check your system's filters first. As air moves through your ductwork and into vents, filters trap dirt and dust before this debris enters your home. Over time, the debris can clog your filters, reducing the flow of air into your home.
If the air cannot flow into your home, the system will struggle to cool to its set temperature, causing the system to run constantly.
Experts recommend changing your filters once every 3 months. This helps your system cool without wasting energy while improving the quality of your indoor air.
If your air conditioning is constantly running, you need to solve the problem. To prevent your system from running excessively or for basic maintenance on your heating and cooling system, contact Briarwood Heating & Cooling today.
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