When your air conditioner functions normally, it may run for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches the temperature that you set it at. After it reaches that temperature, it will shut itself off until the internal temperature goes above the set temperature again. Then, it will run for another 15 to 20 minutes to cool off your home.
During intense heat waves, however, your air conditioner might run more frequently. When it runs constantly during normal summertime temperatures, you need to find out why it will not shut off after reaching the set temperature and take several steps to service or repair it.
1. Your Filters Are Dirty
One of the first steps you should take to prevent your AC unit from running continuously involves checking and changing its filters. Dirty filters can cause the unit to work harder and prevent it from blowing out cold air properly. It has to work longer to reach the set temperature inside of your home.
To prevent the unit from running constantly, you should change out the filters every three to four months. You may need to change it more often, however, if you have a pet that sheds frequently living in your home or if you live in an area with frequent dust and dirt storms.
2. Your Unit Is Too Small for the Size of Your House
Your AC unit also might run constantly because it is too small for the size of your house. It must run constantly because it has such a large area to keep cool.
Your only solution to this problem would be to buy a unit that is larger and more suited for the size of your house. If you cannot afford to upgrade your unit, you might invest in fans to blow cold air around your home and help the unit reach the set temperature faster and for longer periods of time.
3. Your Windows and Doors Are Not Energy Efficient
Another reason your AC unit might be running continuously is because the windows and doors in your home are not energy efficient. When they let in heat and air from the outside, they can cause the temperature in your home to climb, even with the air conditioning turned on. Your unit, then, has to work harder and run longer to reach the set temperature in your home.
To address this problem, you might need to seal or caulk the openings around your home’s doors and windows. By making them more energy efficient, you can prevent heat and air from getting inside and contributing to the constant running of your AC unit.
4. Other Sources of Heat Are Competing Against Your AC Unit
Your AC unit might also run continuously because other sources of heat are competing against it. These other heat sources can include:
- Oven
- Dryer
- Stove top
- Sunlight coming through the windows and doors
By turning off competing appliances, if possible, and putting up light blocking draperies at the windows, you can cool the inside of your home better and prevent your AC unit from running continuously.
5. Your Ducts Need to Be Cleaned
Your AC unit likewise might run continuously because the ductwork in your home needs to be cleaned. Dirty ducts prevent cold air from being blown out into your home. Your AC unit has to work harder and run longer to get the cold air out into your home and to reach the set temperature.
You can clean out the ducts by dusting and sweeping them on a regular basis. You can also use a vacuum hose attachment to suction out dirt and dust in them. By keeping the ducts clean, you can help your AC unit work efficiently and run for shorter periods.
6. Your Unit Needs a Tune-Up
Finally, your AC unit might work harder and run continuously because it needs a tune-up. You may not be able to handle tuning up the unit on your own, however. You can benefit from hiring a professional Denver AC unit maintenance and repair service to handle this complex task.
Coffman & Company offers the AC unit services your home needs. Its trained technicians can install new units, repair malfunctioning units, and perform preventative maintenance. Contact Coffman & Company in Denver to find out more today!
