The human brain is a funny thing. It often takes the simplest path and gives us thoughts that feel completely obvious. For instance, when a big heat wave hits, you probably think, “It’s scorching outside, so my AC needs to run all day just to keep up.” That definitely seems like it makes sense. But is it actually how your system is supposed to work?
Not only is it not true, but an air conditioning unit running nonstop is a huge red flag. It’s a sign that your AC is either the wrong size for your home or something is seriously wrong with it. Let’s explain why that is.
Your Air Conditioning System Is Built for Sprints, Not a Never-Ending Marathon
Your AC isn’t meant to run constantly. It’s designed to work in cycles. Think of it this way: you set your thermostat to a specific temperature. The air conditioning kicks on, works to bring your home down to that temperature, and then it shuts off. It gets a break. Your home will naturally warm up a bit, and then the system will turn on again for another cycle to bring it back down. This is the healthy, efficient way for it to operate.
If your AC is running all day long, it means it’s fighting a losing battle. It can’t reach the target temperature you’ve set. This continuous operation puts incredible strain on all its parts, leading to premature wear and tear. It also means your electricity bill is probably through the roof because that system is guzzling energy without any breaks.
An AC Running Nonstop Might Be Screaming for Help Because of a Major Airflow Restriction
Think about your lungs. If you try to breathe through a straw, you have to work much harder. A dirty air filter does the same thing to your AC system. It clogs up the airflow, forcing your AC to put in double the effort to cool your home. This restriction causes the entire system to work overtime just to keep up, which is a significant reason it may be running continuously. The lack of proper airflow can also put a ton of pressure on the internal components.
This is often a simple fix. Checking your air filter once a month is a great habit. If it’s dirty, change it. Poor airflow kills efficiency and also hurts your indoor air quality by failing to filter out dust and allergens properly. Sometimes, the problem is bigger, like a blockage in your ducts, but the filter is always the first place you should look.
Your System Might Be Low on Refrigerant
Refrigerant is the special liquid that flows through your air conditioning system’s coils. Its whole job is to absorb heat from your indoor air. The refrigerant flows to the evaporator coil inside, soaks up the heat, and then travels to the outdoor unit’s heat exchanger to release it. If your refrigerant level is low, your AC simply can’t absorb heat efficiently. It’s important to know that refrigerant doesn’t get “used up.” If it’s low, it means there is a leak somewhere in the system.
Just adding more without fixing the leak is a temporary and costly band-aid. An HVAC technician needs to find and repair that leak to get things right.
The Outdoor Part of Your AC Could Be Caked in Grime, Preventing It from Releasing Heat
Your air conditioning system is a team. The indoor unit removes the heat, and the outdoor unit (the condenser) gets rid of it. When the system can’t dissipate the heat, it must continue running to compensate. All that built-up heat and pressure just adds to the wear and tear on the unit. A quick look and a gentle cleaning of the outdoor unit can sometimes make a world of difference. It’s a key part of regular system maintenance that keeps things running smoothly, especially before a major heat wave hits.
It’s Possible Your Air Conditioner Is Simply Too Small for Your House
Sometimes, the issue isn’t a broken part but a flawed installation from the very beginning. If your air conditioning unit is too small for the square footage of your home, it will struggle to keep up, especially during a brutal summer heatwave. The system will run all day long in a futile attempt to reach the temperature on your thermostat, burning a massive amount of electricity and undergoing extreme stress. An undersized system that runs constantly will fail much sooner than a correctly sized one. Getting the size right from the start is one of the most important parts of an installation.
An Air Conditioner That Runs Constantly Is a Cry for Help, So Let Us Answer the Call!
If you’re noticing your AC unit is running all day just to keep your home bearable, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to have a professional take a look. Something isn’t right, and letting it go will only lead to bigger problems and higher bills.
At Johnson & Johnson Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing, we provide AC installations and AC repairs for homeowners across the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and in Frederick, MD. We can help you properly size your AC or fix the problems causing it to run all day long. Call us now to schedule your service!
