During the peak of a Florida summer, it feels like our air conditioners are working overtime – and often, they are! But there’s a difference between your AC running for extended periods to combat extreme heat and an AC unit that never seems to shut off, even when it’s not scorching outside. If you’ve found yourself wondering, “Why is my AC running constantly?” you’re not alone. It’s a common concern for Florida homeowners, often accompanied by worries about skyrocketing energy bills, excessive wear and tear on the system, and the looming fear of an imminent breakdown.
While an AC working hard on a hot day is normal, continuous, non-stop operation without reaching your desired indoor temperature usually signals an underlying problem. Understanding the potential culprits is the first step toward finding a solution and regaining control over your comfort and energy consumption. Let’s explore the common reasons why your Florida AC might be running constantly and how Richard’s AC can help diagnose and fix the issue.
Is It Actually a Problem? Understanding AC Run Cycles
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand typical AC run cycles. On very hot and humid Florida days, especially during the afternoon peak, your air conditioner will naturally run for longer periods to remove the significant heat load from your home and maintain the temperature you’ve set on your thermostat. These extended cycles are normal. However, if your AC runs continuously for hours on end without ever reaching the set temperature, or if it runs non-stop even on milder days or during cooler parts of the day (like mornings or evenings), then it’s a strong indicator that something is amiss. The goal of an AC is to cool your home to the setpoint and then cycle off until the temperature rises again. If it’s not cycling off, it’s working inefficiently or struggling against a problem.
Common Culprits: Why Your Florida AC Might Be Running Constantly
Several factors can contribute to an air conditioner running non-stop. Here are some of the most common issues we see in Florida homes:
1. Extreme Florida Heat and Humidity (The Obvious Factor)
Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. Florida’s summer weather is intense. When outdoor temperatures soar into the 90s (or higher) with high humidity, your AC faces an enormous task. It has to combat the heat radiating through your roof and walls, the heat coming through windows, and the heat generated inside your home, all while also removing significant amounts of moisture from the air. On these extreme days, even a perfectly functioning AC unit will run for very long cycles, and it might seem like it’s running constantly just to keep up. While this is a factor, if the problem persists on less extreme days, other issues are likely at play.
2. Undersized AC Unit
An air conditioner that is too small for the size and cooling needs of your home will constantly struggle to reach the desired temperature. It will run continuously because it simply doesn’t have the capacity to adequately cool the space, especially during peak heat. Proper AC sizing involves a detailed load calculation considering square footage, insulation levels, window types and orientation, ceiling height, and local climate data. If your AC was undersized from the start, or if you’ve made additions to your home without upgrading the AC, this could be the reason it’s always running. Richard’s AC always performs thorough load calculations for new installations.
3. Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
This is one of the most common and easily preventable causes. A dirty air filter severely restricts airflow into your AC system. When airflow is choked, your AC has to work much harder and longer to circulate enough air to cool your home. It’s like trying to breathe through a straw. This strain reduces efficiency, diminishes cooling capacity, and can even lead to other problems like frozen evaporator coils (which further reduce cooling and can cause water leaks). Check and change your air filter regularly – at least monthly during heavy use.
4. Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils
Your AC has two sets of coils: the evaporator coil (indoors) absorbs heat from your home’s air, and the condenser coil (outdoors) releases that heat outside. If either of these coils is caked with dirt, dust, grass clippings (for outdoor units), or grime, they can’t transfer heat effectively. This grime acts as an insulator. As a result, your AC has to run much longer to achieve the same cooling effect, leading to constant operation and higher energy bills. Regular professional maintenance, like that offered by Richard’s AC, includes cleaning these vital coils.
5. Low Refrigerant Levels (Due to a Leak)
Refrigerant is the substance that circulates within your AC system, absorbing heat from inside and releasing it outside. If your system is low on refrigerant, it means there’s a leak somewhere. Refrigerant is not “used up” like gasoline; it’s a closed-loop system. Low refrigerant significantly reduces your AC’s cooling capacity. Your system will run continuously, trying to reach the set temperature, but it won’t be able to cool effectively. Simply adding more refrigerant without fixing the leak is only a temporary (and often costly) band-aid. The leak must be found and repaired by a professional.
6. Leaky Ductwork
Your ductwork is the network of channels that distributes cooled air from your AC unit throughout your home. If these ducts have leaks, cracks, or disconnections (often in attics, crawlspaces, or behind walls), a significant portion of that precious cooled air can escape before it ever reaches your living spaces. Your AC will keep running, trying to cool rooms that are constantly losing their conditioned air to unconditioned spaces. This is a major source of inefficiency and comfort problems.
7. Thermostat Issues
The thermostat is your AC’s control center. If it’s malfunctioning, it can cause your AC to run constantly. * Faulty Sensor: It might not accurately sense the room temperature, thinking it’s warmer than it is, thus never signaling the AC to shut off.
- Incorrect Calibration: It might be calibrated incorrectly.
- Wiring Problems: Issues with the wiring between the thermostat and the AC unit can disrupt proper communication.
- Poor Placement: If your thermostat is located in direct sunlight, near heat-producing appliances (like a lamp or TV), or directly in the path of an air vent, it can get false readings and keep the AC running unnecessarily.
8. Blocked Vents or Poor Overall Airflow
Closing too many air vents in unused rooms, or having vents blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains, can disrupt the airflow balance in your HVAC system. This can create pressure imbalances, reduce overall efficiency, and make your AC run longer as it struggles to distribute air effectively. Ensure most, if not all, of your vents are open and unobstructed.
9. Poor Home Insulation or Significant Air Leaks
If your home isn’t well-insulated, or if there are significant air leaks around windows, doors, attic hatches, or through walls, hot, humid Florida air will continuously infiltrate your conditioned space. This creates a constant battle for your AC as it tries to remove the incoming heat and humidity, forcing it to run much longer than it would in a well-sealed and insulated home.
How Richard's AC Diagnoses and Solves Constant Running Issues
When you call Richard’s AC, our experienced technicians will perform a thorough diagnostic process to pinpoint the exact reason your AC is running constantly. This may involve checking airflow rates, measuring refrigerant pressures, inspecting electrical components, cleaning coils if necessary, examining ductwork for leaks (where accessible), testing the thermostat, and assessing the overall system performance.
Once the cause is identified, we’ll explain the problem clearly and recommend the most effective and economical solutions, whether it’s repairing a refrigerant leak, cleaning coils, sealing ducts, replacing a faulty thermostat, or in some cases, discussing if the unit is undersized or nearing the end of its effective lifespan.
Regain Control of Your Comfort and Energy Bills
An air conditioner that runs constantly is more than just an annoyance; it’s a drain on your energy bills and a sign that your system needs attention. Addressing the issue promptly can prevent further damage, restore efficiency, and bring back your peace of mind.
Is your AC working overtime without a break? Contact Richard’s AC for a thorough diagnosis and effective solutions.
Don’t let a constantly running AC inflate your bills or compromise your comfort. Call us at today!
