Does your air conditioner turn on, and then keep running — and running — and you're starting to think it will never stop? This is a sign of a serious problem! AC units aren't designed to run continuously, and this is a sign that they can't properly cool down the air in your home. Here are several of the most common causes behind this problem — all of which deserve serious attention from the experts.

Clogged Air Filters

How long has it been since you changed your air filter? Most AC filters are designed to be replaced or cleaned every few months. If it's been a lot longer than that, your filter is probably clogged, one of the most common AC problems. A clogged filter will significantly slow down airflow, which means that the AC unit won't be able to cool down the air effectively, so it will run for much longer than usual while it is trying. Replacing the filter can often make a big difference for this issue!

Poor Sizing and Installation Mistakes

Sometimes an air conditioner isn't sized correctly – which means that a less powerful unit rated for a smaller space was chosen, and it can't effectively cool the larger house in which it was installed. At other times, poor installations can create connection issues so that the AC unit is not operating correctly. Both of these problems are more common on new air conditioners. This requires a close examination of the AC model and installation to see if anything is wrong.

Dirty Coils

The coils of an AC unit pass heat from the house into the outside air. That heat exchange process needs clean coils to work. If coils get covered with dust and dirt over time, they can't exchange heat very well, no matter how hard the air conditioner tries. Fortunately, this is one problem that's pretty easy to fix. Examine your outdoor coils and, if they are dirty, take a soft clean cloth with a little water and wipe them off until they are clean again.

Thermostat Malfunctions

Another potential issue is that your thermostat isn't communicating correctly with the AC unit and is telling it to constantly run when it shouldn't. Make sure that your thermostat settings are in the correct ranges. If a professional thinks that a thermostat may be causing problems, they will probably test thermostat sensors and wiring to see if there are any problems.

Ductwork Problems

Tears in the ductwork, or ductwork that hasn't been attached properly, will lead to escaping air, which means the AC unit has to keep on working to replace that air. If you've never checked your ducts, especially older ducts, it's worthwhile to take a look with a flashlight and see if you can spot any serious problems. Professionals can provide a more thorough inspection if necessary.

Refrigerant Issues

Low refrigerant levels and refrigerant leaks are another common cause of a running air conditioner. Experts can test your refrigerant levels and refill them if necessary!

Need help figuring out the problem with your AC unit? Is your current level of cooling just not working out for you? Guaranteed Services can help! Give us a call so we can talk about your problem and arrange an inspection or another solution to making sure your air conditioning is just where you want it.