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Why Is My AC Constantly Running?

Keeping your air conditioner running during the hottest days of the summer is a great way to stay cool indoors. However, if your AC is constantly running without ever turning off, it could indicate a problem within your system.

There are many reasons why your air conditioner is constantly running. Understanding the underlying causes for a constantly running AC unit can help you prevent further system damage so you can enjoy optimal comfort in your home.

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7 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioner Never Stops Running

Improper Unit Size or Installation

One of the biggest reasons an air conditioner runs constantly is that the system is not the proper size for your home. Units that are too small must work harder to cool your home, increasing the wear and tear on your system and reducing its life span.

On the other hand, air conditioners that are too large won’t be able to remove moisture from your home, resulting in a more humid indoor environment. Additionally, if your ductwork is the wrong size, it may not be able to properly handle the distribution of cool air.

Failure To Change Air Filters

If it’s been a while since you last changed your air filters, this could be a reason your air conditioner is constantly running. Changing your air filters at the recommended intervals is one of the best ways to protect your system from unexpected malfunctions during the hottest days of the year.

Use the following recommendations to determine how often you should change the air filters in your AC unit:

  • Vacation home, or one occupant and no pets/allergies: Once every 6-12 months
  • Standard home without pets: Once every 90 days
  • Standard home with one dog or cat: Once every 60 days
  • Standard home with more than one pet and one allergy sufferer: Once every 20-45 days

AC Coils Covered in Dirt

It’s important to keep your outdoor condenser unit clear of any debris. Dirty coils covered in grass clippings, leaves, and other contaminants can block the flow of air and diminish your AC’s overall performance.

To keep your condenser coils clean, shut off the electrical power to your system and hose down the unit. For a more thorough inspection of your condenser and evaporator coils, contact a service technician to perform a routine air conditioner tune-up.

Thermostat Not Functioning Properly

Sometimes when your air conditioner refuses to shut off, the problem could lie in your thermostat. While your home may have reached the desired temperature, your thermostat may be unable to register the change, forcing your AC to continue running.

Test if this is the case by placing a different thermometer near the thermostat. After an hour or two, check if the reading matches what your thermostat says. If the readings are different, there may be a problem with your thermostat.

Air Leaks or Poor Insulation

Leaky air ducts are one of the biggest culprits behind malfunctioning HVAC equipment. According to some reports, air leaks can contribute to up to 30% loss in energy efficiency, meaning you’ll pay a higher price for lower comfort in your home.

If you’re losing air due to leaky ducts or improper insulation, your air conditioner may be unable to reach the desired temperature in your home. That means you’ll be left with a system that runs endlessly as it tries to satisfy your comfort needs to no avail.

Air Conditioning Needs Routine Maintenance

Any knowledgeable HVAC technician will tell you that the key to proper AC functionality is routine system maintenance. Ideally, you should schedule air conditioning maintenance with your trusted cooling specialist at the beginning of each cooling season (usually around April). If your system is not kept clean, you’ll be more likely to experience inefficient system cycling.

Your HVAC technician will help ensure all your system’s key components are clean and clear of any obstructing debris that may prevent the proper flow of air. You will enjoy improved AC functionality and have the added benefit of an extended system life span due to regular maintenance.

Air Conditioning Unit Needs Replacement

Most modern air conditioners are designed to last between 10 and 15 years with proper system maintenance. If you live in an older home that hasn’t had its AC replaced in recent years, you could be relying on an outdated unit. Such systems may be unable to satisfy your home comfort needs, causing them to run for longer as they attempt to reach your desired indoor temperature.

Purchasing a new ENERGY STAR®-certified product will allow you to reach maximum comfort in your home while spending less on energy bills — and it may also qualify you for federal tax credits.

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Keep Your AC Running Properly with Damiani’s!

At Damiani’s Comfort Design, our cooling specialists offer the comprehensive air conditioning services you need to ensure your system runs smoothly all season long. Our family-owned and -operated company is proud to serve families throughout the San Antonio region, delivering the superior AC solutions they deserve since 2004.

Customers know when they choose our team for air conditioning service in San Antonio, they’ll always enjoy:

  • Satisfaction guaranteed: Our family-owned and -operated company puts precise, quality work first — guaranteed.
  • Upfront pricing: No surprises, no tricks, and you don’t pay a dime until you’re 100% satisfied with the job we’ve done.
  • Trained technicians: Our background-checked Home Comfort Heroes are trained, equipped, and ready to serve.
  • Extended warranties: Quality parts and quality work mean you’ll be satisfied for the long term, or we’ll make it right.
  • Easy financing: We offer plenty of flexible financing options to help families afford their home comfort needs.

Keep your air conditioner running smoothly all season by scheduling AC services with Damiani’s: Call 210-646-9600 to schedule service today!

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