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9 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Won't Turn Off

9 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Won't Turn Off

Is your home's air conditioner constantly running? Click here for nine common reasons why your air conditioning won't turn off.

air conditioning won't turn off
9 Reasons Why Your Air Conditioning Won't Turn Off

Do you hear the constant hum of your air conditioning unit? Letting this problem fester could exhaust the system and drain your budget. And if you don't take action, the entire unit may stop working eventually.  


Stick around to learn the nine common reasons your air conditioning won't turn off!


1. Dirty Filter

An AC running constantly may be connected to a dirty filter. Filters are meant to remove pollen, dirt, dust, and other debris from the air. Changing out the filter regularly helps keep the air quality good, especially for people with allergies.

But if that filter is clogged, it won't clean the air as well - and your unit might be struggling to run as a result. Turn off your AC and replace the filter. Ideally, you should be doing this roughly every three months. You'll have improved air quality and a more efficient HVAC unit. 


2. Bad Thermostat

Do you have an old thermostat? Replacing a bad thermostat may be the quick-fix solution to an AC that's running. 


Check the temperature setting on your thermostat. And make sure the settings are correct if you have a programmable thermostat. If everything looks right but it feels cooler in your home, you may have a malfunctioning thermostat.

You may also notice your AC unit short cycling. This is where it turns on and off frequently. In addition, if your AC is running all the time, you'll definitely notice higher utility bills. 


You can try resetting your thermostat first. But you may need to upgrade it if that doesn't solve the problem. 


3. Low Refrigerant

A low refrigerant level is another common cause of an air conditioning unit that won't turn off. Your refrigerant is critical to ensuring that your home cools down properly. But if there's a leak in the coils or refrigerant lines that lets it escape, you won't have enough flowing through the system.

Your AC won't be able to absorb heat. As a result, it will keep running. You may hear a hissing sound when the refrigerant is low, and you'll notice the air isn't as cool. 


4. Blocked Ductwork

Airflow obstructions can lead to air conditioning problems. If air can't travel through all of the ducts and vents in your home, you'll make your AC unit work harder.

Leaky ducts or blocked vents often are the cause. Make sure that all vents are open, even in rooms that are used less frequently. Move furniture, drapes, or other objects that may be blocking vents. 


If these changes don't work, look for air leaks. Air leaks are harder to spot since they may happen at ductwork joints. You may need to hire AC repair services to check for broken seams and assess the problem. 


5. Dirty Coils

When it comes to air conditioning problems, coils often are the culprit. Over time, they can collect grime that isn't caught by your filter. If your coils are clogged with dirt and debris, your AC unit won't do a good job capturing heat from the air. 


As a result, your unit might run continuously. Your best bet is to hire a local AC company to clean the coils at the start of each season to avoid build-up.


You can do your part to keep the coils clean, too. If there are branches, leaves, or weeds sitting on your outdoor unit, remove them. You'll help prevent the condenser from getting clogged.


6. Faulty Wiring

Sometimes your AC unit can keep running because of electrical problems. For instance, you may have a relay switch that is keeping a circuit closed. This can cause continual power, meaning that the air conditioner will be running all the time. 

Similarly, you may have a compressor contractor that's stuck in one position. This is the component that controls when electricity moves into your system. If it's stuck, you could have an AC that keeps going. 


7. Blower Motor Issues

When the summer temperatures crank up, you don't want to feel miserable because your AC suddenly stops working. But if your blower motor keeps running, eventually, it will overheat and stop working. 

Sometimes blower motors just get old and stop working. Sometimes they're loaded with grime and need a thorough cleaning. Whatever the case may be, make sure to address a blower motor issue before it damages insulation and bearings. 


8. Improper AC Unit Size

Did you know that an AC unit that is too small can cause it to run too much? An undersized air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the square footage of your home. 


That's because it won't have enough power to reach the desired temperature on your thermostat. This means the unit will keep running, which costs you more money. 

Good local AC repair services will be able to diagnose the problem and tell you if size is the problem. You may be better off upgrading to a larger and more efficient system. 


9. Aging Air Conditioner

Keep in mind that most air conditioning units have a lifespan of around 15 years. If yours is reaching that number, you may need to budget for a replacement. 


Work with a reputable local AC company and seek a few estimates before committing to one. While you're at it, check your furnace. Sometimes it's cheaper to replace both parts of your HVAC system at the same time. 


Even with the upfront investment, a new AC unit will save you money over time. You won't have to pay for frequent repairs and your utility bills should improve. Plus you'll be able to trust that the unit can keep you comfortable. 


Know Why Your Air Conditioning Won't Turn Off

Still wondering why your air conditioning won't turn off? You may be dealing with a dirty filter, leaky duct, or low refrigerant level. You also could have wiring issues, a bad thermostat, or an aging unit that needs to be replaced.  


At Home Comfort Solutions LLC, we have 15 years of experience offering the best HVAC or plumbing help. You can trust that our services are reliable and affordable. Contact us today to learn more!

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