We hear this a lot from homeowners – why is my AC constantly running? And when the Texas summer heat gets here, it’s normal for your air conditioner to run more often. However, if your AC seems to run nonstop and never reach the temperature you set on your thermostat, that’s a problem. Not only does it run up your energy bill, your home remains hot and uncomfortable.
But don’t stress – we’re here to help explain the most common reasons your AC is running nonstop, what you can check yourself, and when it’s time to call us in to fix it.
Is It Normal for an AC to Run All Day?
The first thing to determine is if your AC running long cycles is normal during extreme heat. Here’s an easy way to determine this is to answer this question – is your home cooling and staying comfortable? If not, that’s a big giveaway that your unit should be inspected.
Other warning signs that your AC may need repair include:
- Your home never reaches your desired temperature
- High electric bills
- Uneven cooling in your home
- Warm air is blowing from your vents
- Excessive humidity in your home
After checking these signs with your unit, you should be able to determine if an issue exists.
7 Common Reasons Your AC Is Running Constantly
After a simple diagnostics run, you may be feeling pretty confident that your AC unit needs repair. The first step to identifying the root issue and repairing it is to understand the common reasons your air conditioning is running constantly.
1. Dirty Air Filter
First step – check your air filter. A dirty air filter can cause many issues –
- Restricts airflow
- Makes your system work harder
- Causes longer cooling cycles
- Can eventually damage equipment
DIY Tip: Check your filters monthly and replace them every 1 to 3 months.
2. Texas Heat Is Pushing Your System to Its Limits
When summer temperatures reach the triple digits, cooling your home places a heavy demand on your HVAC systems. Older or undersized systems may struggle to keep your home cool during the peak heat in summer afternoons. Some extended run times are normal – and expected – in this extreme heat. But, a unit that continuously runs is not efficient and can lead your AC to stop working altogether.
If your AC runs constantly but still keeps your home cool and comfortable, it may be that it’s simply working hard. However, it may not be the most efficient unit for your home. It may be worth considering replacing or checking for deeper repairs for the cost and energy savings. We’re happy to help diagnose and give our professional opinion for your options.
3. Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is what removes the heat from your home. Leaks can reduce your unit’s cooling capacity. This causes your system to run longer as it tries to cool the house.
Common signs you have low refrigerant levels:
- Warm air from your vents
- Ice on refrigerant lines
- Higher utility bills
- Poor cooling performance.
Please note: This issue requires professional repair.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
Your outdoor unit, called the condenser unit, releases the heat from your home. And during regular maintenance of your yard, dirt, grass clippings, and debris can cover your condenser coils. This prevents them from releasing the heat properly causing longer running times.
Maintenance Tip:
Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around your outdoor unit. Clean your condenser coils at least once a year, ideally in spring before the summer heat hits. Also, we offer Maintenance Plans that include keeping your condenser unit and HVAC system clean.
5. Thermostat Issues
Another common cause of a constantly-running AC system is thermostat issues. A faulty thermostat reading or incorrect settings can cause your unit to work harder than it needs to. Also, having a thermostat that is placed near windows or heat sources can trigger your unit to run more often or longer than it needs to.
Check Your Thermostat:
- Mode: It may seem obvious, but make sure your thermostat is set to the correct mode – that’s on and set to cool.
- Auto vs On: is it set to Auto or On – if it’s set to On, your unit will run nonstop. Setting it to Auto will cause your unit to stop running once your desired interior temperature is reached.
- Battery: Does your thermostat need new batteries?
6. Leaky Ductwork
Does the ductwork in your attic have leaks? This would cause the cooled air to escape before it ever reaches your living spaces. Which would cause your AC to work harder to try and cool the air in your home. This can be a common problem in attics and crawl spaces, especially in older homes or for improperly-installed HVAC systems.
Signs for Leaky Ductwork:
- Hot and cold spots
- High energy bills
- Rooms that never seem comfortable
7. Aging or Undersized Equipment
In Texas on average, HVAC systems last about 15 years – yet this can vary widely. Factors such as maintenance, usage, capacity, and installation quality have a big impact on the life of an HVAC system.
Older systems lose their efficiency over time. We often see systems that are too small for their home’s needs. Also, home additions or renovations can cause an increase in cooling demand.
Pro Tip: We can run a professional load calculation to determine whether your system is properly sized.
What Happens If Your AC Runs Constantly?
You may be thinking – what’s the problem with my AC running constantly? Is it worth addressing at the risk of having to pay to replace it or cover repairs? We believe it is definitely worth addressing, and that’s not because of a bias. At R&R Quality Air, our goal is to help our neighbors stay comfortable in their own homes while saving them money and trouble. We believe that keeping your AC from having to run constantly will pay off in the long run not only with energy savings but also with the investment in your home.
A constantly-running AC:
- Increases utility costs
- Adds more wear and tear on its components
- Has a higher risk of breakdowns – not good in the middle of summer!
- Reduces your system’s lifespan
- Diminishes the comfort in your home
What To Check Before Calling for HVAC Service?
You’ve determined your AC is not running well or not as efficiently as it should. What should you check before calling us?
Check These Things:
✓ Replace air filter
✓ Verify thermostat settings
✓ Ensure vents are open and unobstructed
✓ Check for dirty outdoor unit
✓ Inspect for ice on refrigerant lines
✓ Make sure doors and windows are sealed
When Should You Call an HVAC Professional?
Call for service if:
- AC never reaches the set temperature
- Air feels warm
- System runs 24/7
- Utility bills suddenly increase
- Ice forms on the unit
- You hear unusual noises
Pro Tip: Prompt diagnosis can prevent a small issue from becoming a costly repair.
AC Repair and Cooling Solutions in the Brazos Valley
If your air conditioner is running constantly, the experienced team at R&R Quality Air can help. We’ll inspect your system, identify the root cause, and recommend the most cost-effective solution to restore comfort and efficiency to your home.
Whether it’s a simple repair, refrigerant issue, airflow problem, or system replacement, we’re here to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Call R&R Quality Air today to schedule your AC inspection and get your system running efficiently again.