I think you’ll agree that being hot and sticky during the summer months can be quite uncomfortable, but if your AC is running constantly, it can also become costly and annoying. As we are now in the thick of the summer, there is no better time to troubleshoot the common causes as to why your AC is running all day before you get hot and bothered.
Here are seven possible reasons causing your air conditioner to run constantly and their solutions:
- Your AC is too small. If your unit is too small, it will have to work harder to cool your home. Over time, this will increase wear and tear and reduce its life. Solution: install a properly sized unit for your home.
- Your AC is getting old. As an air conditioner gets older, it becomes less efficient, runs more often, and thus results in higher utility bills. Solution: replace it with a new unit which will have shorter cooling cycles and consume less energy.
- Your home has air leaks. Air leaks can develop around windows and doors causing the cool air to escape your home, forcing the AC to run more than needed. Solution: seal the leaks in your home, especially around your windows and doors.
- Your cooling coils are dirty. Dirt in the form of pet hair, mud and/or grass clippings will block the air flow causing poor cooling performance. Solution: have a maintenance checkup to clean the condenser coils since they are exposed to the outdoor elements.
- Your thermostat is set to keep it running. Your AC can only handle a specific temperature difference between your home and outside. If the thermostat is set too low, your AC will run constantly. Solution: raise the thermostat to a more reasonable level.
- Your air filter needs to be changed. Dirty filters restrict air flow which reduces the amount of cool air your AC can produce, causing it to run more. Solution: clean or replace your filters once a month.
- Your AC unit needs maintenance. If your system is not clean, you will likely encounter airflow problems. Solution: have a professional technician perform regular maintenance to ensure your unit is in good working order, and it will also extend the life of your cooling system.
Remember, it’s important to note that on extremely hot days, your air conditioner may run more often than usual. Your cooling cycles should return to normal when it cools down to more moderate temperatures. If that isn’t the case, then one of the above reasons could be causing your AC to run more often than normal, which will end up costing you more money. Chances are it is something simple, however, be smart and contact a professional before they become bigger problems. To learn more about how Hutchinson can keep your AC running efficiently, please browse our site, or give us a call today.