We’ve got another hot summer coming up for our Calabasas air conditioning service. It’s not unusual for you to notice your AC system coming on more and more. However, is it normal to have a constantly running AC? The short answer is no. We will tell you why your ac is constantly running below.
How Do I Know If My AC Runs Too Much?
After a few years, you may have an innate sense as to how your air conditioning system runs. You may already know if your AC is running too much just by listening. Are your power bills getting higher and higher, especially during the summer? Compare your bills and rates from last year to verify. Remember that a constantly running ac isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can tip you off to a bigger problem which can help you avoid a disaster.
1. Is Your AC the Right Size?
An air conditioner that is too small has to work harder to cool your property. Wear and tear increases on your unit, and your home is never quite cool enough. Even if the system runs and runs. An air conditioner that is too large cannot remove moisture from the air and leads to a moist, clammy output. On the other hand, a right sized AC unit runs on a continuous, predictable basis to cool your home evenly with cold, crisp air. The same goes for your ductwork’s size, number of vents and registrars, and other factors.
2. Dirty AC Unit
Another leading cause of a constant running air conditioner are dirty coils. These are usually located on the outdoor unit and can become covered in dirt, grass clippings, and other forms of debris. The coils cannot operate properly underneath all this clutter, and the unit works harder. The same goes for your air filter. It must be changed on a regular basis to ensure proper ventilation into and out of the unit. As a result, we recommend you have a professional AC tune up done at least once or twice a year to keep it running as intended.
Click here to see a video on dirty AC coils.
3. Faulty Thermostat
Your system may keep running because there is an issue with your thermostat. Even though your home is at the correct temperature, your thermostat does not register it. Your unit is designed to keep running until your thermostat tells it to stop. You may check to see if this is the case by:
- Using a thermometer to see if your thermostat indeed matches the current home’s temperature.
- Try using new batteries. Many thermostats use new batteries and can even have a low energy indicator.
- Check your fuse box. An improperly thrown fuse for your thermostat or HVAC unit can lead to a constantly running AC. You may also flip it on and on to see if that resolves the issue.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to “cool” not “heat” or “off.” You’d be surprised how often we see that.
Calabasas Air Conditioning Service
These are just some of the causes of a constantly running AC. One of the most serious may be an HVAC unit on its last legs. Be sure to contact a trusted provider in your area who can provide you with an honest estimate on a quality unit who stands behind their work. Feel free to contact us to get top of the line air conditioning service in Calabasas, North Hills, and the surrounding areas.