AC Running Constantly But Not Cooling

When your air conditioning system is functioning as it should, it runs in cycles. You’ve likely noticed this happening, even if you didn’t know it for sure.

Cycles typically last 15 to 20 minutes. Your system will kick on and run until it reaches the desired temperature (whatever you set your thermostat to) and then kick off for a few minutes.

But if your air conditioning system is running constantly without cooling your home efficiently, you have cause for concern. Besides not cooling your home, this is going to increase your energy costs and put unnecessary strain on your system.

If you’re looking to troubleshoot the problem yourself before reaching out to your local HVAC technician, here are the most common causes of this problem and what you can do to remedy the issue.

1. Clogged Air Filter

If your air conditioning system is running all the time without actually cooling, the first thing you should do is check the air filter.

When your air conditioning system’s filter is clogged, it restricts the flow of air to your home. This can impede the function of your AC and prevent the removal of excess moisture in the air.

When too little air flows over the coils within your system, it can’t effectively remove humidity. This makes your home feel warmer and causes your system to run constantly.

2. Restrictive Air Filter

Speaking of air filters, there’s a chance your air filter may be too restrictive for your system. There are lots of air filters available, but not all of them will work with your unique system. It’s possible that your current air filter’s MERV rating is too high.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It’s a rating scale that goes from 1-16 and should match your HVAC system.

Check to see what air filter MERV works best with your home’s system.

3. Air Duct Leaks

Before cool, conditioned air reaches the rooms of your home, it travels through a series of ductwork.

Over time, air ducts can become poorly sealed or lose insulation. This can cause air to leak, which leads excess cool air to escape, making it difficult for your home to reach your desired temperature.

If the air ducts in your home are older, schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technician.

4. Low Refrigerant

Your system requires refrigerant to cool your home. If you don’t have enough refrigerant in your system, there is likely a refrigerant leak in the coils. As a result, your system is unable to cool your home.

When this occurs, your air conditioning system will constantly run. It’ll continue to work harder to cool your home, but won’t be able to without enough refrigerant.

Refrigerant is dangerous to handle, so schedule an inspection with your local HVAC technician.

Residential Air Conditioning Services in Central Florida

If your air conditioning system isn’t effectively cooling your home, the team at Energy Air can help. We provide comprehensive air conditioning services to Central Florida homeowners and beyond.

Give us a call today to learn how we can help or schedule an appointment online.