Remember the sweet sound of silence when your air conditioner takes a break? Well, if you’ve noticed your system running non-stop since spring, we need to talk.
Your dependable AC isn’t meant to run endlessly, even during the hottest days of summer. This constant operation is a clear warning sign of potential problems. Ignoring it can lead to more than just a hot house … it could mean serious issues for your AC system.
Before diving into why your AC might be running non-stop, let’s talk about why it’s a problem.
Why Does It Matter?
Increased Energy Bills
Naturally, the more your air conditioner runs, the more energy it consumes. Each extra minute of operation adds to your ever-increasing electric bill.
A constantly running AC might keep the temperature comfortable, but it won’t feel too comfortable when that bill arrives. If you don’t feel like taking a cigarette lighter to a handful of hard-earned cash, then now is the time to do something.
Wear and Tear on Components
Continuous operation puts excessive strain on your AC’s internal parts. This stress fast-tracks their degradation, leading to quicker wear and eventual breakdowns.
Your air conditioner isn’t built to run a marathon; the more it operates without a break, the sooner you’ll face expensive repairs or even the need for a complete system replacement. Treat your AC with care because buying a new one won’t be pocket-friendly.
Risk of Total System Failure
The ceaseless rumble of your AC is a warning bell, signaling an underlying issue. Neglecting it will only exacerbate the problem and inch you closer to a catastrophic system failure.
The day the noise stops, so will the cool air blowing out of your vents, potentially leaving you in the sweltering heat without relief.
What Is To Blame?
Frozen / Dirty Coils
If you notice your air conditioner is working hard but barely providing cool air, you may have dirty or frozen coils.
When the coils inside your unit freeze up, the airflow is hindered, thus reducing its cooling efficiency. Lack of regular upkeep can lead to this issue. If this is the problem, immediately turn off the system and call us.
Additionally, your AC’s condenser and evaporator coils may succumb to the dust and debris in the air. Once coated with dirt, airflow is restricted, pressuring your AC to work harder to cool your home.
Over time, dirty coils can make it harder for your system to cool your home, pushing it to work overtime. Regular coil cleaning, which can be part of a preventive maintenance package, keeps this unwanted build-up at bay and reduces your AC’s workload.
Blocked Air Filters
A blocked air filter strangles airflow, making it hard for your AC to do its job efficiently. An obstructed filter can hamper efficient cooling, causing your AC to struggle to hit the desired temperature.
Changing or cleaning air filters routinely keeps the air moving. For ideal efficiency, we recommend a new filter every 30 days.
Refrigerant Leaks
Leaks in the coils or refrigerant lines can handicap your AC’s cooling ability. As the refrigerant level dips, your AC loses much of its ability to cool the air that passes over the coils.
The professional technicians at Greers Ferry Heat & Air can identify leaks, repair them, and replenish the refrigerant. Sometimes, this is all your AC needs to return to efficient cooling.
Faulty Thermostat
Sometimes, the HVAC unit is fine but gets “tricked” into running too much by a glitchy thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can keep your AC running even when your home is cool enough.
As a preliminary troubleshooting step, check your thermostat’s settings and battery. If the thermostat continues to act up, it’s best to call us to investigate the device and determine the solution.
Motor / Fan Issues
Problems with the blower motor or fan can cause your AC to struggle. While it might be tempting to consult YouTube for a do-it-yourself solution, you are better off leaving it to our trained technicians.
We can quickly diagnose whether a sluggish motor or irregular fan speed is causing the issue and rectify the problem.
Leaky Ductwork
Cracks and holes in your ductwork can allow cool air to leak out, reducing your AC’s cooling efficiency. To compensate for the air loss, your AC will keep on running.
Leaky ductwork is a common issue that can severely affect your air conditioner’s performance. Greers Ferry Heat & Air can uncover and seal the sneaky leaks, boosting airflow and improving efficiency.
Incorrect AC Size
If you’ve renovated or rearranged your living space recently, you may have inadvertantly caused some issues for your HVAC system. An undersized AC unit will labor to maintain a comfortable temperature, driving it into overtime to keep up.
If you have recently remodeled or plan to in the near future, call us. We can perform a load calculation to determine the correct size system for your revised needs.
What Should You Do?
Regular Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to protect your HVAC system by scheduling routine check-ups twice a year. We will come out in the spring and fall to ensure your AC is in top condition.
Regular maintenance includes checking for refrigerant leaks, cleaning coils, inspecting ductwork, and ensuring the thermostat functions correctly. These services can catch problems early and keep your system running efficiently.
DIY Maintenance Tips
While some maintenance tasks should be left to the pros, there are a few things you can do yourself:
- Changing Air Filters: Replace or clean your air filters every 30 days to ensure proper airflow.
- Checking Thermostat Settings: Make sure your thermostat is set correctly, and replace batteries as needed.
- Cleaning Around the Unit: Keep the area around your outdoor unit free from debris and vegetation to ensure proper airflow.
Final Thoughts
If your air conditioner is on non-stop duty, we highly recommend that you don’t “shrug off” the problem. The longer you delay tackling this issue, the deeper you’ll have to dig into your pockets to cover escalated energy bills, hefty repairs, or a total system replacement.
Acting promptly and enlisting our help can help pinpoint and resolve the root causes of your AC’s relentless strain. As always, your friends at Greers Ferry Heat & Air are ready to help diagnose and troubleshoot any problems related to your AC’s operation.
So why wait for a crisis when you can nip the problem in the bud? Call us at (501) 825-7295 to schedule a service appointment and tackle the problem head-on.