Is It Normal for My A/C Unit to Run Continuously?

Is It Normal for My A/C Unit to Run Continuously?

Posted by
Ed Miller on Thu, Nov 29, 2012

Air conditioners are no doubt wonderful inventions. In fact they can be absolute lifesavers in the hotter, more humid, months especially. If you happen to live in certain regions known for their grueling summers you are probably aware. However, often it can be difficult for laymen to determine whether or not their unit is running normally or not.

One of the most common situations that finds air conditioning unit owners asking whether or not what they’re experiencing is normal is a unit that seems to be running continuously without stopping. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why that might be happening, as well as what you can do about them.Dirty Filters

Although it sounds like an overly simple solution to the problem, you should definitely check the condition of your air filters first thing. You’d be surprised how many issues with heating and air conditioning units can be solved simply by changing out the filter! If you can’t remember the last time you personally did this in regards to your unit, then the chances are excellent that it’s time.

See if this fixes the problem. Definitely keep a supply of clean filters on hand going forward and make sure to switch them out on a regular basis. You should also take a look at the ducts and vents attached to your unit to see if they need to be cleaned or unblocked.

Thermostat Issues

Another common reason for an air conditioning unit that keeps running continuously is a thermostat that has issues of one kind or another. If yours is of the programmable variety, a simple reset might do the trick when it comes to setting things to rights. Try resetting yours to see if it makes a difference.

If not, it’s possible that your thermostat is ready for replacement. Many thermostat models are relatively inexpensive and it’s certainly possible to replace them on your own. However, if you’re not comfortable doing so, there’s certainly no shame in calling a professional in to take a look at your unit.

Wiring Issues

Occasionally, shorts or faulty wiring can be the culprit. However, if you suspect problems of this nature, it’s really best to err on the side of caution and call in an electrician or an expert who specializes in servicing air conditioning units. He or she will be able to determine your next best course of action.

Tags:

Tips,

Air Filter,

maintenance,

AC Unit,

Air Conditioning

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