With summer quickly approaching, many homeowners are asking questions about the workings of their air conditioners. One of these questions are regarding whether their ac should run all day or not. If you are one of the homeowners asking this question, the pros at OnTime Service are here with an answer!
Should My AC Run All Day? The Answer: No, It Should Not!
Your AC provides cooling in 15-20-minute-long cycles—there are usually 2-3 cycles per hour. On hotter days, it’s natural for your AC to struggle a little to keep up and for the cycle length to become longer. But if you are comfortable, and the cooling reaches the set temperature, your AC is fine. However, if you notice that your AC does not stop running at all and you are still uncomfortable because of high temperatures and humidity, there might be some underlying problems you might need to take care of.
Why is My AC Running All Day?
Once you have noticed your air conditioner is running constantly without providing the cooling you require, you might need to look out for other problems. Here are some reasons why your AC might be running constantly:
Low Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a cooling agent without which your air conditioner would not be able to provide the cooling that you need. It loops through your air conditioner, changing from liquid to gas and absorbing the heat from indoor air, effectively creating cooler and dryer air. However, if your air conditioner is low in refrigerant, your AC might be running overtime to cool your home, but it might have little success in doing so. Which is why, your AC might be running constantly, but you will still be uncomfortable, hot and humid. If you notice you are low on refrigerant (AC working overtime, leaks near your outdoor condenser), you will have to contact an HVAC technician to refill it and repair any leaks. Refrigerant is a dangerous chemical to be exposed to and it is best to have a professional handle it.
Little Air Flow
Your air conditioner needs a source from which to absorb indoor air in order to cool it. If your system itself is not getting enough air, it will not be able to provide enough cool air and will be forced to run overtime to reach the set temperature. To make sure your AC is getting enough air flow, check your vents and registers to make sure they are clean and not blocked. Next, check your air filter—if it is dirty and clogged, it’s time to replace it. A clean air filter can improve air flow, give you better indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption by up to 15 %.
Dirty Coils
Your evaporator coil absorbs heat in order to cool it and your condenser coil dissipates the heat outside. If either of those are not clean, your AC might not be able to provide the cooling you need, despite running. To fix this issue, make sure your outdoor condenser has a clearance of at least 3 feet around it. This will protect it from being exposed to dirt and vegetation. Next, contact an HVAC technician to clean your evaporator and condenser coils. While you can attempt to clean them yourself, it’s safer and smart to have professional do the job.
Have more questions about your air conditioning? Contact the pros at OnTime Service! Call us today at 205-942-1405 or schedule a service online!
