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Is Your AC Running Nonstop? Here’s What It Means

Do you hear that? It’s the sound of your air conditioner. The problem is, you’ve been hearing it for hours, and it never seems to power down. You might blame the relentless heat, thinking your AC is just putting in a ton of effort. The reality is that a system that won’t shut off is a system with a problem. This constant running is a bright red flag signaling a deeper issue, one that’s burning through your money and putting a massive strain on your equipment.

Airflow Is Completely Blocked, Which Means the System Is Struggling to Breathe

Your AC system needs to inhale your home’s warm air to cool it. If something is blocking that process, the system panics and works harder. The number one culprit is a filthy air filter. When that filter gets clogged with dust and debris, it severely restricts the system. Your air conditioner has to run much longer and harder just to pull in enough air to cool, often never reaching the desired temperature on your thermostat.

Another airflow issue could be blocked vents or return registers. If you have furniture pushed up against them or the louvers are closed, you’re choking the system. It’s trying to circulate air through a blocked path, which is an impossible task. The system continues to run because its cooling efforts are not circulating properly through the house.

Your System Might Be Low on Refrigerant Due to a Leak

Refrigerant is a chemical compound that cycles through the coils, absorbing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside. Your AC requires a specific amount of refrigerant to function correctly. It doesn’t “use up” this fluid like gas in a car; if the level is low, you have a leak.

When a refrigerant leak occurs, the system loses its ability to cool efficiently. The compressor and fans will continue to run because the thermostat is still calling for cool air, but the system simply doesn’t have the cooling capacity to meet the demand. You might notice ice forming on the indoor evaporator coil or hear a faint hissing sound, both signs that your system is running on empty and needs immediate professional maintenance.

An Improperly Sized AC Unit Will Fight a Losing Battle Against the Heat Every Single Day

When it comes to air conditioners, bigger isn’t always better, and too small is a disaster. If your AC unit is too small for your home’s square footage, it simply lacks the power to cool the entire space on a hot day. It’s like trying to cool an entire house with a window unit. The system will run and run, working at maximum capacity, but it will never achieve the set temperature. This constant operation leads to excessive wear on parts and sky-high energy bills.

Other issues often amplify this problem. Poor insulation, old single-pane windows, or a leaky duct system can make even a correctly sized unit perform as if it’s too small. Cool air escapes, and hot air gets in, forcing your AC into a never-ending cycle of work.

Here Are Some Quick Troubleshooting Steps You Can Take to See if You Can Resolve the Issue

Sometimes, the fix is simple. Before calling for backup, a little at-home troubleshooting can go a long way. These checks address the most common and simple-to-fix problems.

  • Check Your Air Filter: A clogged air filter is the leading cause of restricted airflow. Pull yours out and see if you can see light through it. If not, it’s time for a new air filter.
  • Inspect Your Outdoor Unit: The outdoor compressor unit needs to be clear of obstructions. Make sure there are at least two feet of clearance around the unit, free of leaves, weeds, or anything else that could block it.
  • Examine Your Thermostat Settings: Double-check that your thermostat is set to “COOL” and the fan switch is on “AUTO.” If the fan is set to “ON,” it will run continuously even when the cooling cycle is off.

Some Problems Go Beyond Simple Fixes and Point to More Serious Internal Component Failures

If you’ve checked the basics and your AC is still running nonstop, the problem likely lies deeper within the system. Components can wear out over time, leading to failures that prevent the system from shutting down. This could be anything from faulty electrical wiring to a failing capacitor, which is a small part that helps the motors run. Without it, the system might struggle to operate correctly. These are not things you can fix yourself. A professional AC repair is the only way to restore full functionality. 

Another major hidden problem is a leaky duct system. If you have tears or gaps in the air ducts running through your attic or walls, a significant portion of your cooled air is being pumped into empty spaces instead of your rooms. This leak dramatically reduces cooling efficiency and harms your indoor air quality. Your AC has to run much longer to compensate for this massive loss of cool air, putting a huge strain on the compressor and your bank account.

Stop Wasting Money on an AC That Never Shuts Off

An air conditioner that runs constantly is a system in distress and a serious drain on your finances. You don’t have to let it continue to drain your finances. That’s because Henley’s Plumbing & Air proudly provides professional AC maintenance to keep your system running efficiently and installs brand-new, high-performance systems. We can help you avoid the complications and challenges of an AC that won’t stop running.

We serve homeowners throughout:

  • Corona
  • Norco
  • Eastvale
  • Yorba Linda
  • Placentia
  • Anaheim
  • Riverside
  • Rancho Cucamonga
  • Ontario
  • Upland
  • Fontana
  • San Bernardino
  • Redlands
  • Highland
  • Yucaipa