Summer can have you pining for some relief from the heat, and your trusty air conditioner is there to provide just that. However, if your AC seems to be constantly running and your electric bills start racking up out of nowhere, you might wonder if it’s time to call an air conditioner repair technician. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to get to the bottom of this issue.

What Causes an Air Conditioner to Run Constantly?

There are multiple reasons why your air conditioner may be running more often than usual, and it’s not always a bad thing. To help give you an idea of why your AC may be working overtime, we have compiled a list of some of the most common causes.

1. Restricted Air FlowDirty dust dense fan in air conditioner indoor at home, bad maintenance conditioning need to cleaning air conditioner repair

If the air flow in your AC system is blocked, your air conditioner is going to continue running constantly to compensate for the weak air stream. This can cause the system to overheat and fail to remove humidity from the air in your home.

Some reasons your AC’s air flow might be restricted include a clogged air filter, ductwork leaks, blocked vents, or a faulty motor. If this is the case, air conditioner repair may be necessary.

2. Dirty Evaporator Coils

In a proper air conditioning system, refrigerant runs through the evaporator coils to absorb heat from the air and convert it into cool air flow. If the evaporator coils are dirty, this can disrupt the system’s process and cause your air conditioner to run wonky.

As dirt builds up on the evaporator coils, the layers create a barrier and your refrigerant is less likely to absorb heat. In turn, your AC continues to run, yet the room doesn’t get any cooler. Your system might even start blowing out hot air instead of the crisp, cold air you need.

3. Low or Leaking Refrigerant

Refrigerant is crucial to proper AC function, and If your system doesn’t have enough, your system starts to run constantly to compensate for the missing component. The only time you would ever need to top up your refrigerant is when there’s a leak, which makes it important to take care of the issue as soon as possible. 

Some signs of a refrigerant leak include a build-up of ice on your AC, the rooms in your home don’t seem to be getting any colder, or your AC making a strange hissing noise. If you notice any of these, it may be worth looking into professional air conditioner repair.

4. Wrong Size Air Conditioner

An air conditioner that is too small can cause your system to work much harder than normal to cool your home, causing it to run constantly. Over time, this can damage your unit and reduce its lifespan.

Rather than resorting to air conditioner repair, the best thing to do in this situation is to replace your air conditioning system with a proper size. This can be done by a qualified AC installation technician.

5. Hot Temperatures

During extremely hot weather, your air conditioner might overcompensate to keep the air in your home at a comfortable temperature. In this case, your air conditioner running all the time is relatively normal. However, if you still have concerns, it never hurts to call a professional.

When to Call a Professional For Air Conditioner RepairProfessional technician maintaining modern air conditioner indoors

If you find that your air conditioner is constantly running and you aren’t sure why, it’s always best to have a professional take a look at it before attempting anything yourself.

At Stack Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric we offer a team of qualified air conditioner repair technicians who are ready to assist all your HVAC needs. Contact us on our website or call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

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