Why Does My Air Conditioner Run at Full Power Constantly?

In summer, most people use Air Conditioner frequently throughout the day. Does your air conditioner run more often than it should? It is worth investigating this so that you can handle astronomical energy costs. The following are common reasons why an air conditioner may run constantly.

1. You Own A Variable-Speed AC.

There are a variety of different speeds that variable-speed air conditioners can achieve, sometimes operating as low as 25% of their maximum capacity. Variable-speed air conditioners run at low power instead of shutting off, thereby using less energy while maintaining your home’s temperature. You will use less energy and spend less money on cooling your home because your air conditioner runs more slowly than a single-speed unit.

2. Your AC Unit Is Too Small To Cool Your Home Effectively.

When summertime arrives, your air conditioner will only work if it has enough tonnage (cooling capacity) to handle your layout, home’s unique size, and temperature challenges. You may find that it runs continuously to reach the temperature you have set on your thermostat. When your AC is constantly running at full power, the components can overheat and wear out prematurely due to excessive stress.

 

When your air conditioner is too small for your home, it must constantly run to keep your home cool. As a result, your AC will wear out more quickly. Eventually, you will have to make more repairs, and your AC will have a shorter lifespan because of wear and tear.

 

It’s happened countless times. Homeowners will opt for the same air conditioner size as the latest model, and the cycle will keep happening. A professional at-home consultation is usually out of the picture, which is why they don’t break from the process of purchase-repair-repair-purchase. 

 

What worked for you ten years ago won’t work for you today as air conditioners are becoming more efficient yearly. You can permanently solve this problem by getting a properly-sized air conditioner, which is much more expensive.

 

To avoid this problem, choose the right installation company before you install an air conditioner. Choosing an HVAC contractor who provides you with an in-depth consultation regarding your home’s cooling needs is important. Their recommendations will consider the size and layout of your home and how tall your house is to determine which AC unit is right for you.

3. Your AC Unit Is Too Large For Your Home And Is Short-Cycling.

If the air in your house feels muggy because your AC is running for short periods, you may have a short-cycling issue. Large air conditioners can’t remove humidity effectively, and they often stop running too early, causing hot and cold spots throughout your home.

4. Your AC System Is Overdue For Maintenance.

The cooling process can be hindered by dust buildup on the coils of the evaporator and condenser. As a result, your air conditioner works harder and longer than it should reach the desired temperature. Your system probably needs maintenance if it hasn’t been serviced in over a year.

5. Air Flow is Blocked

Air conditioners need to breathe. If your air conditioner’s airflow is blocked, it will have a hard time working. As a result, it will keep running.

 

There are a number of things that can restrict airflow to your air conditioner, including:

• A dirty, clogged air filter
• A bad motor
• Ductwork leaks
• Closed or blocked vents

 

The theory can be tested by placing your hand next to an open vent. There will be a weak but cool stream of air. Changing your furnace air filter (located in your furnace) should be your first step. Make sure that all vents are free of obstructions.

6. Dirty Evaporator Coils

Air in your home is heated by refrigerant moving through the coils of the evaporator. A clean evaporator coil makes this job easy. In contrast, dirt and grime build up on evaporator coils making the refrigerant work harder to absorb heat. Your AC just keeps on running due to all those layers. However, you don’t feel any cooler.

7. There’s a Refrigerant Leak

Whenever there is insufficient refrigerant, your air conditioner runs continuously to make up for the difference. A refrigerator should never run out of refrigerant or need to be topped up. When is it necessary? When a leak occurs.

 

The AC will hiss at you if there’s ice buildup on the unit, your house doesn’t get any cooler, or if there’s the icy buildup on the unit. It is important to fix a leak as soon as possible if you have one. Air conditioning systems actually produce warm air instead of cold air, which is the opposite of what they are intended to do. Our annual tune-ups cover this, and the experts should handle it.

8. Your AC is Old and Needs to Be Replaced

Air conditioners aren’t going to age with you. The average lifespan of an air conditioner that receives annual maintenance is 15 years. Upgrades are required after that. Air conditioners naturally wear out as they age, so they have to work harder to provide the same level of comfort. However, an AC that runs constantly for more than ten years and requires regular maintenance is just costing you money.

 

Getting a new air conditioner is something we recommend you discuss with our home comfort specialists.

Cons Of Having Your AC Constantly Running

The obvious disadvantage of constantly running your air conditioner is higher energy bills. Most households spend nearly half of their energy budget on cooling and heating systems, which is why the AC is often turned off.

 

A programmable thermostat is one way to keep your home comfortable when you need it and to lower your energy bills. Your programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature to match your lifestyle, saving both energy and money.

 

Furthermore, constant air conditioning is subject to additional wear and tear. Constant use of your air conditioner will lead to parts wearing out sooner, resulting in higher repair costs and, eventually, the need to replace your air conditioner earlier. The fact remains that HVAC maintenance will minimize the need for repairs and replacement, but running your AC continuously will have its consequences sooner rather than later.

 

Our team at Gibber Services is dedicated to providing reliable HVAC maintenance, repairs, and replacements to our clients. Contact us at 901-422-1258 for service you can count on.