With a humid and warm Summer ahead of Cape Codder’s, having your AC unit running in tip top shape is extremely important for a comfortable living situation. However, sometimes if your air conditioner is running constantly it can indicate an issue with your unit and put a dent in your wallet if you don’t monitor it.
Reasons Why Your AC Won't Turn Off:
- This one might be obvious, but it can be overlooked. Make sure your unit is switched ‘fan only’ or ‘fan on’ mode for a little and see if you can tell the difference between when it is set to cool and fan mode so you have a gauge on whether or not it’s running.
- Try not to set the desired temperature down to a temperature that is too low. Contrary to popular belief, you home will not cool down any faster if you set the temp lower. This will only cause the AC to run longer, resulting in wear and tear.
- Is your AC too small for you house? It’s possible your last HVAC company mis-judged what size AC and output would be needed. If it’s too small, it will continuously run and run without ever reaching the desired temperature.
- Have you changed the air vent and filter this month? If you are not changing the filter monthly, it’s possible not enough air is getting through the HVAC system. Taking a much longer time to cool your home.
- Make sure to check for low refrigerant levels. This is one of the main factors leading to an air conditioner that won’t stop running.
- Check your air ducts. It may be possible that they are too large and the unit will not be able to distribute air properly throughout the home.
Troubleshooting an AC That’s Won’t Shut Off
If you notice any of the things listed above there might be something seriously wrong with your AC. Rather than ignoring it or letting the system continuously run, here are steps to turning off your air conditioner.
Steps to take when AC won’t turn off:
- Check the thermostat – If your thermostat is set to the wrong temperature, there might be a demand for more cool air than necessary. This can happen when the thermostat is set to a temperature below what is recommended.
- Clean the Condensing Unit – When the condenser coils are dirty, they can’t properly cool the room. If the room’s temperature doesn’t go down, the AC will think the room isn’t clean enough, which is why it will continue to run.
- Fan Limit Switch – On the AC unit, there should a “fan limit switch.” This allows the fan to run independently of what the thermostat says. If it’s on manual switch it to “auto” so that the fan limit switch will take commands from the thermostat.
- Conduct Regular AC Maintenance – One sure way to make sure your AC doesn’t run unnecessarily is by conducting normal air conditioner maintenance.
Still Not Working?
If you are still struggling to find the answer to the issue after following the steps above it may be a good time to contact a professional HVAC technician. Master Tech Plumbing Inc. services the entire Cape area with AC repair, replacement and installation services. We also specialize in AC tune-ups and ongoing maintenance. Give us a call at (508) 388-6007(508) 388-6007 or fill out the contact form on this page!