Why Is My AC Constantly Running?

Is your air conditioner running non-stop, refusing to shut off? This persistent operation could be a symptom of various issues, ranging from improper unit sizing to thermostat settings that are incompatible with your system.

In the scorching summers of Arizona, it's normal for your AC to be active throughout most of the day. However, if the weather isn't particularly hot and your home still feels uncomfortably warm, it's a sign that professional HVAC assistance might be necessary.

This blog aims to unravel the mystery behind the question, "Why is my AC constantly running?" We'll explore the most common culprits, including:

We'll guide you through some basic troubleshooting techniques and highlight when it's crucial to seek the expertise of a certified HVAC technician.

A common reason for an air conditioner that runs continuously is a thermostat set incorrectly. If your thermostat is switched to 'on' instead of 'auto,' your unit will operate nonstop. Modern air conditioners are designed with automatic shut-off features that deactivate the unit once your home achieves the set temperature, aiding in energy efficiency and reducing strain on the system.

Check your thermostat settings if you're trying to figure out why your AC is always on. Ensure it is set to 'cool' and 'auto.' This configuration allows the system to turn off automatically once it cools your home to a comfortable level.

When air flows freely through your cooling system, your air conditioner doesn't need to work as hard. If you have a clogged air filter, the motor works harder to get conditioned air to the right locations in your home. The air conditioner shuts off once the desired temperature is reached, but a clogged air filter can reduce the cooled air that reaches each room.

If you have an AC unit that runs for hours, and your home never quite gets cool enough, you should look at your air filters. You should swap your air filters regularly, often on a monthly schedule, depending on pollution levels in your area.

Low air pressure from your vents could be why your AC unit never seems to take a break. If your air conditioner is working properly, but your home never cools off, it's a sign that there's something wrong with your ducts. If your ducts leak, the cooled air never reaches its intended destination, leaving your home to continue heating up.

Hot indoor temperatures mean your air conditioner keeps working to try to cool things off. Sealing your ducts is a great way to reduce the cost of cooling your home.

The size of your air conditioning unit is crucial for its efficiency and effectiveness. While many homes have a standard-sized cooling unit, these one-size-fits-all solutions often overlook critical variables. For instance, a unit deemed suitable for a standard 2,000-square-foot home may not perform adequately in a house that receives full sun exposure throughout the day or lacks shade.

Inaccurate load calculations can result in an ill-equipped air conditioner for your home's specific cooling needs. An AC system that is too small for your space will struggle in the intense heat of Arizona, running continuously without adequately cooling your home. This constant operation not only leads to increased wear and tear, necessitating earlier replacement, but also results in higher cooling costs during its lifespan.

Your air conditioner does a lot of heavy lifting fighting off the Arizona heat, so it needs regular maintenance to perform well. If you want reliable cooling throughout the summer, you need regular maintenance. During a maintenance visit, a certified HVAC pro cleans the unit, checks the filters, performs minor repairs, and tests the system. If everything is working well, there's no reason for your AC unit to run nonstop.

At George Brazil HVAC, we offer a maintenance plan that guarantees your comfort throughout the year. If we do your maintenance and your air conditioner stops working that summer, we'll put you up in a hotel while we handle repairs. Plus, you get 25% off on any repairs not listed on our maintenance report. With 100% satisfaction guaranteed and an appointment within 24 hours of your call, our maintenance plan is designed to help you stay cool.