During these blisteringly hot summer months, all we want is to cool off when we get inside our homes. If you start to notice that your AC is running all the time to combat the heat, that should raise a red flag. Here’s why your AC is constantly running and what problems it can cause.
Wasting Cool Air
When signs of your AC constantly running start to show, you need to do some air conditioning troubleshooting to determine the cause. Start by checking if your cool air is escaping. An easy way to check is to make sure that your windows and doors are sealed and shut during the day. The air can also be escaping from your ducts due to holes or tears, so be sure to have your ducts inspected to make sure they are properly insulated.
When air escapes, your AC works much harder to keep your home cool, using more energy and raising your electricity bill. By checking for easy spots for air to escape, you are doing your due diligence with personal AC maintenance.
Thermostat Problems
An easy and seemingly simple way to know why and how your AC is running all the time is to check your thermostat’s fan status. If your AC is set to “AUTO,” you are good to go – but make sure that it is programmed with a comfortable temperature. If it is set to “FAN,” then your AC is constantly running no matter what the temperature is and wasting so much energy. Changing it to “AUTO” will allow your AC to change temperature according to where you have it set or programmed. Lastly, make sure your temperature sensors aren’t dirty or dusty for your thermostat to properly read the temperature of your home.
Your Unit is Dirty
Over time, it’s natural for your AC to accumulate dust and debris. Your vents can be clogged up with dust, blocking any airflow to your home. That can make your AC work harder to produce cool air. If your unit has dirty vents, clogged filters and damaged coils, you may need AC repair to make up for the damage done. Without proper airflow, your thermostat can be tricked into thinking that the temperature is different from reality. This will click on the fan and keep it running for an extended period of time. To prevent this, have regular AC tune-ups to make sure your unit is clean to enable airflow and cooling.
If your AC is constantly running and you need help figuring out why, call Mission AC and Plumbing for the best Houston AC repair and maintenance.
