A properly working air conditioner usually cycles on and off throughout the day, although longer cycles can be normal during extreme heat. If your AC runs nonstop and still cannot cool your Vacaville, CA home, it may have a problem. Nonstop operation may be a sign of poor sizing, insufficient maintenance, airflow restrictions, refrigerant issues, or advanced age. Read on to discover the top causes of nonstop operation and what you can do to prevent them.
Your AC Is Too Small
While homeowners can purchase some cooling equipment from hardware and big-box stores, central AC installation should be handled by a licensed HVAC professional. Determining the required BTUs for cooling based on your home’s square footage alone will not provide the most accurate results.
When sizing ACs, licensed HVAC companies use the Manual J Load Calculation. This calculation considers numerous factors, including ceiling heights, window sizes, insulation levels, window locations, household size, construction materials, total livable area, and internal heat loads from major appliances. Using Manual J is one of the best ways to ensure accurate AC sizing.
If you selected and installed your own air conditioner or recently made major changes to your home, your AC could be too small for its total service area. Undersized air conditioners may run nonstop or nearly nonstop during summer because they cannot keep up with the home’s cooling demand. This can lead to extra wear and tear and a shorter system lifespan. In many cases, the best way to correct this issue is to replace an undersized AC with a properly sized unit.
Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
During cooling cycles, refrigerant flows through the evaporator coil inside your home. As warm indoor air flows over this coil, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. Moisture from indoor air also condenses on the evaporator coil and drains away through the condensate system. The refrigerant then carries heat outdoors to the condenser coil, where that heat is released outside.
Dirty evaporator and condenser coils interfere with this heat transfer process. They can force air conditioners to work longer and harder while producing less effective cooling.
Having dirty coils professionally cleaned can improve heat transfer, reduce operational stress, and help the system run more efficiently. Schedule professional AC maintenance before summer arrives to help avoid problems with dirty coils.
Low Refrigerant
Nonstop operation can also be a sign of a refrigerant leak. Air conditioners are closed loops, and AC refrigerant does not burn off like fuel. Instead, low refrigerant is often the result of defective parts, loose seals, or worn components. No matter what the cause may be, finding and fixing refrigerant leaks early can help prevent compressor damage and premature cooling system failure.
A Clogged Air Filter
One common cause of nonstop AC operation is a dirty air filter. Fortunately, this problem is also one of the easiest to correct. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which makes it harder for your system to move cool air through your home.
If the filter looks dirty, clogged, or past its recommended replacement window, replace it with the correct size and rating for your system. After replacing the filter, give your AC a short rest. Then turn your air conditioner back on to test its performance. To avoid additional filter-related issues, inspect this component monthly and replace it every 30 to 90 days, depending on your system, filter type, and household conditions.
Closed Air Vents
People sometimes close HVAC air vents to direct unwanted air away from their immediate areas. However, doing so can place air conditioners under additional stress. Closed air vents increase static pressure in HVAC air ducts. This extra pressure can restrict airflow and contribute to problems like nonstop operation.
Keep supply and return vents open and unobstructed whenever possible. You should also make sure that no air vents are blocked by sofas, bookshelves, or other furnishings.
Leaky Air Ducts
If your HVAC system has an air duct leak, your AC could be sending conditioned air into areas where it does not belong. For instance, a duct leak can send cooled air into attics, crawlspaces, wall cavities, or other unconditioned areas. During AC repair service and annual AC tune-up service, HVAC technicians can test airflow throughout cooling systems to find problems like these.
Advanced Age
Nonstop operation may mean that your air conditioner is simply too old to cool your home effectively or efficiently. Many air conditioners last around 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. If your AC is 15 years or older, ask your HVAC technician to recommend a timeline for replacement.
Get Expert Help Today
Greiner Heating, Air and Electric proudly serves Solano County Yolo County and Natomas with expert AC maintenance, installation, and repairs. We also provide HVAC air duct repair and replacement services. If your air conditioner runs nonstop, get in touch with Greiner Heating, Air and Electric today to schedule AC repair service!
