You get used to the way that your AC turns on and off—what’s known as its cooling cycle. An air conditioner cycles on when the thermostat sends a request for cooling, first turning on the blower fan and then the compressor. Once the thermostat registers the cooling has reached the target temperature, it signals the AC to cycle down, shutting off the blower fan and the compressor.
If you notice that your air conditioner is staying on for much longer, rarely cycling down, something is wrong. You may need to contact us for AC repair to resolve an issue in the HVAC system. You don’t want the air conditioner to continue to run, wasting power and making your home too cold.
Below, we’ll look into what might cause this “runaway” AC trouble.
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow through your HVAC system, making the air conditioner work harder to cool your home. This can cause the AC to run for longer periods as it struggles to achieve the desired temperature. Regularly changing or cleaning the air filter can help maintain proper airflow and prevent extended cooling cycles.
Thermostat Problems
If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not accurately read the indoor temperature, causing the AC to run continuously. In some cases, the thermostat might be improperly calibrated, or it could have a dead battery, leading to incorrect temperature settings. A professional can inspect and recalibrate your thermostat or replace it if necessary.
Low Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is essential for the cooling process in your AC. If there’s a leak in the refrigerant lines, your air conditioner will struggle to cool your home effectively. As a result, it may run longer in an attempt to reach the set temperature. Low refrigerant levels require professional attention to locate and fix the leak, followed by recharging the system with the appropriate amount of refrigerant.
Undersized AC Unit
An improperly sized air conditioner can lead to various issues, including long cooling cycles. An undersized unit may run continuously because it cannot keep up with the cooling demand. Proper sizing during installation is crucial, and if you suspect your AC is the wrong size, you’ll need professionals to evaluate your current unit to see if it needs to be replaced.
Leaky Ductwork
Leaks in the ductwork can cause cool air to escape before it reaches the living spaces in your home. This loss of conditioned air forces the AC to run longer to compensate for the temperature difference. Professional leak sealing can improve efficiency and reduce the strain on your AC.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the evaporator coils inside your AC unit. When the coils are dirty, they cannot effectively absorb heat from the air, leading to longer cooling cycles. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the coils, ensures optimal performance and prevents extended run times.
Whether you’ve got a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or another issue, you can trust us for the air conditioning repair in Merced, CA that will solve the trouble.
Contact Purl’s Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning for air conditioning repair. Uncompromised Quality & Customer Service Since 1952.