When working properly, air conditioners often run two to three cooling cycles each hour, with rests between cycles. When ACs run nonstop, it may point to an underlying problem. Here’s why it happens and how it affects your cooling system.
Poor AC Sizing
If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will run longer-than-average cooling cycles. Poor AC sizing is the most likely cause if your AC has always run nonstop in summer.
Proper AC sizing accounts for multiple environmental and household factors. If your household size or home layout changes, your AC might be too small for its new demands. This can happen even if it had the correct capacity before.
Airflow Obstructions
Restricted airflow can also cause nonstop performance issues. Airflow obstructions make it harder for ACs to draw in air, distribute it, and release the extracted heat. Homeowners should check for dirty filters, blocked air vents, and insufficient clearance around the condenser.
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is an important part of the cooling process. Cold refrigerant extracts heat from your indoor air, and hot refrigerant releases it outside. If your AC has a refrigerant leak, its cooling cycles will become less effective. Unchecked refrigerant leaks can also lead to premature compressor failure.
Your AC May Need a Tune-Up
During professional AC tune-up service, HVAC technicians test and calibrate thermostats, measure airflow, and clean evaporator and condenser coils. They lubricate moving parts, replace worn parts, and take other steps to improve performance. An AC tune-up can help it cool your home while using less energy.
Increased Cooling Demand
During heat waves, your air conditioner could run often, even without underlying problems. In extreme temperatures, even a properly sized AC may take longer to lower indoor temperatures.
On extremely hot days, air conditioners help keep indoor temperatures from rising too high. The best way to support them is by keeping your AC on, even when away. To save energy, you can raise your thermostat setting before leaving.
How Does Nonstop Operation Affect Air Conditioners?
No matter the cause, nonstop operation takes a toll on ACs. It accelerates wear on AC compressors and could lead to premature compressor burnout. When fan motors repeatedly run hot, their electrical windings and bearings break down. Constant electrical loads can also shorten the lifespan of AC capacitors.
Hard-working ACs sometimes develop frost on their evaporator coils. Icing can lead to short cycling or warm air from your vents. In extreme cases, it can cause liquid slugging. This happens when liquid refrigerant floods the compressor, damaging it.
All-day operation isn’t always a sign of AC problems. However, it still takes a toll. Annual maintenance and smart thermostat settings can help lighten your air conditioner’s load. If you live in Hendersonville, NC or a surrounding area and need AC maintenance services, make your first call to Champion Comfort Experts.
