Air conditioning is a real benefit when it comes to surviving our hot and humid summers. But if you’re wondering if an AC constantly running is an issue, you might be onto something. In fact, you need to call in a professional right away, as this can drive up your utility bills. Plus, one broken part can quickly start to wear on another.
If it’s particularly hot out or you have your thermostat set to a low setting, there is a chance that your AC might not turn off as frequently as you’re used to. But, if it never stops and your house isn’t cooling down or the thermostat temperature is never met, you have an issue.
While it is best to get professional advice, we’ll walk you through some reasons your inside or outside AC unit runs constantly.
If your AC is running constantly without stopping, it may have any number of issues, including:
As you can see, multiple parts of the unit may be the culprit. Perhaps the fan runs constantly, or it's the hum of the compressor you're constantly hearing. Below, we dive into these parts separately so you can better diagnose the issue before booking the repair.
An AC fan that runs constantly, even when the cooling cycle is off, is an issue because it increases energy consumption, drives up electricity bills, and causes unnecessary wear on the fan motor, potentially shortening the system’s lifespan. It can also lead to inconsistent temperatures and poor humidity control, as air continues circulating without active cooling or dehumidification.
Common causes of an AC fan running constantly include: the thermostat fan setting being switched to “ON” instead of “AUTO,” a malfunctioning thermostat that fails to signal the fan to stop, a stuck fan relay or contactor in the control board, shorted wiring or electrical issues, or a faulty limit switch or control board that keeps sending power to the fan even when cooling isn’t needed.
Is it your air conditioner compressor that is specifically running? The compressor is one of the key parts of the air conditioner, and the most expensive. Therefore, this issue should only be repaired by a trained technician.
However, it may be useful to know that these issues can include:
If you have an outdoor unit it may have a different set of problems. Most commonly, the problem is that the condenser is damaged or frozen, or there is debris covering the unit so it can’t take in air. Also, you could have a compressor issue on the outside as well.
Problems with the outdoor compressor (like electrical failure, overheating, or refrigerant issues) can cause system-wide performance problems, while indoor issues such as a faulty control board, thermostat, or wiring can prevent the compressor from turning on or off properly.
Air conditioning units are complex machines that require being serviced by professional technicians, like the ones at Appleby Systems. If you’re tired of having your AC fan constantly running, contact our expert staff today.
