Ahh, the blissful silence when your air conditioner powers down for a break. Can you recall the last time you experienced it? Perhaps not since the winter thaw? Well, then we need to have a serious conversation.
Your trusty AC isn’t designed for chugging along ceaselessly, even in the dog days of summer. This non-stop hustle is a red flag waving frantically, hinting at a looming problem. Neglecting it can leave you sweating in more ways than one.
So, let’s dive into some possible causes of the relentless drone of your air conditioner, and along the way, look at why brushing it off probably isn’t the best idea.
1. The Drain on Resources: An AC that’s always on duty may be keeping you chill, but it’s also inflating your electricity bill. Each moment of operation drains more energy, nudging your utility expenses upwards. Overlooking this continuous run is akin to taking a cigarette lighter to a handful of hard-earned cash.
2. Wear & Tear on Your HVAC Parts: Your air conditioner isn’t a fan of the marathon. The relentless demand puts excessive pressure on its internal parts, fast-tracking their degradation. This undue wear and tear shortens the life of your AC, paving the way for malfunctions and expensive repairs. Don’t prematurely sign the death warrant for your HVAC system, it’s expensive to replace.
3. The Looming Threat of System Failure: The ceaseless rumble of your AC is a warning bell, signaling an underlying issue seeking your attention. Neglecting it only exacerbates the problem, inching you closer to a catastrophic system failure. The day the noise stops, so will that cool air blowing out of your vents.
The Usual Suspects Behind an Overworked AC
Now that we’ve covered the consequences of letting your AC run uncontrolled, let’s delve into the common culprits causing this situation:
1. Frozen Coils Hindering Airflow: If your AC seems to huff and puff without giving you the cool air you crave, your coils may be frostbitten. Lack of regular upkeep can lead to this issue. Shut down the system immediately and call Empire Heating & Air to diagnose and rectify the problem, and prevent further damage.
2. Gunk-Covered Coils: The condenser and evaporator coils of your AC will eventually succumb to the dust and debris in the air. Once coated with dirt, airflow is restricted. This pressures your AC to work harder to cool your home. Regular coil cleaning, one of the services in our Universal Service Agreement, keeps this unwanted build-up at bay and curbs your AC’s obsession with overtime.
3. Clogged Air Filters: A blocked air filter strangles airflow, making it hard for your AC to do its job efficiently. In the struggle to hit the desired temperature, it never has a chance to take a break. Swapping or cleaning air filters routinely keeps the airflow smooth and your AC stress-free.
4. Refrigerant Leaks: Leaks in the coils or refrigerant lines can punch a hole in your AC’s cooling ability. As the refrigerant level dips, your AC loses much of its ability to cool the air that passes over the coils. Empire Heating & Air can hunt down the leaks, patch them up, and replenish the refrigerant. Sometimes this is all your AC needs to return to efficient cooling.
5. Faulty Thermostat or Controls: A glitchy thermostat can trigger an AC marathon, even after your home is cooled to the appropriate temperature. Check your thermostat’s settings and battery as a preliminary troubleshooting step. If the thermostat continues to act up, it’s best to call us for a deeper investigation into the device to determine the solution.
6. Motor or Fan Glitches: Problems with the blower motor or fan can cause your AC to struggle with keeping your home cool. It’s tempting to consult YouTube for a do-it-yourself solution, but trust us — this situation is best left to the professionals. Empire Heating & Air can quickly diagnose whether a sluggish motor or an offbeat fan speed is causing the issue. If so, we can rectify the problem by either replacing the motor, adjusting the fan speed, or a comprehensive fan cleaning.
7. Leaky Ductwork: Cracks and holes in your ductwork can allow cool air to leak out, reducing the cooling efficiency of your AC. To compensate for the air loss, your AC will keep on running. Let Empire Heating & Air play detective; we can uncover the sneaky leaks and seal them so that your airflow is boosted. A more efficient AC means a quicker cooling, and time for your equipment to rest.
8. Inadequate System Size: If you’ve renovated or rearranged your living space recently, your AC might be in for a surprise. If it’s undersized for the updated demands, it will labor to maintain a comfortable temperature, driving it into a constant run. If you have recently remodeled or plan to in the near future, call us to perform a load calculation to determine the correct size system for your revised needs.
Final Thoughts
An AC on non-stop duty isn’t a situation to shrug off. The longer you delay tackling the issue, the deeper you’ll have to dig into your pockets to cover escalated energy bills, hefty repairs, or, worst-case, a total system replacement. Acting promptly and enlisting professional help can help pinpoint and resolve the root causes of the relentless strain on your AC.
At Empire Heating & Air, our technicians are all set to help diagnose and troubleshoot any problems related to your AC’s constant operation. Call us at (682) 233-3367 to schedule a service appointment so we can nip the problem in the bud… rather than deal with a full-blown crisis later.