Too much of anything is never good. An air conditioning system that won’t turn off might not seem like a big deal, especially considering Arrington’s summer heat. However, an overworking system won’t just be costly; it’ll also be more prone to damage.
If you are asking yourself, “Why won’t my AC turn off?” read on as we look at some of the reasons this might be happening.
What’s the Problem With Having Your AC Run All Day?
Your air conditioner’s standard cooling cycle normally lasts between 15 to 20 minutes and occurs two to three times an hour. This is enough time to get your Arrington home’s indoor temperature just right.
Once your unit has met your desired temperature, it should turn off automatically. Sometimes, though, your AC might stay on.
When this happens, a significant amount of power will be wasted, resulting in exceptionally high utility bills. If that wasn’t bad enough, your unit also experiences a lot more wear and tear. This wear and tear can cause severe damage or, in extreme cases, shorten your unit’s lifespan.
Reasons Your AC Won’t Turn Off
If your air conditioning unit stays on for hours on end, it can be concerning. Fortunately, scheduling professional AC services in Arrington, TN, can help you avoid disaster. First, though, you’ll need to find out what’s causing the problem.
Whenever you find yourself asking, “Why won’t my AC turn off?” it’s probably one of the reasons below.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Sometimes, the problem occurs simply because you have the wrong thermostat settings. For instance, if you have your AC fan set to “On” instead of “Auto,” your unit’s fan will continue running even after the cooling cycle ends.
Damaged Fan Limit Switch
Do you have the right fan settings, but your AC still won’t turn off? Your unit might have a faulty fan limit switch. It’s common for the switch to get stuck in an override position, causing the unit’s fan motor to keep running even when the AC itself is not cycling.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
Your thermostat’s sensors could be damaged, preventing them from getting an accurate reading of your home’s temperature.
Another possibility is issues with the electrical wiring. Such problems could easily disrupt the communication between your thermostat and air conditioner.
Electrical Issues
Your AC’s constant running could also be due to an electrical fault. For example, when there are electrical relay issues, like a stuck relay switch, your air conditioning unit will constantly receive power.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Just because your air conditioner is running doesn’t always mean it’s cooling your Arrington home. If your AC won’t turn off and yet you feel hot or warm air blowing from the vents, your unit’s evaporator coil is frozen.
Frozen evaporator coils typically result from dirt buildup or low refrigerant levels. The layer of ice that develops often prevents the coil from absorbing the heat from your home’s indoor air.
If the evaporator coil can’t absorb heat, your air conditioner won’t be able to cool your home. This means that it won’t complete its cooling cycle and will stay on for hours.
Dirty Air Filter
When was the last time you changed your AC’s air filters? That could help you answer the question, “Why won’t my AC turn off?”
Anytime the air filters are full of pollutants and airborne pathogens, they’ll strain your AC’s performance. As a result, your unit will need to continue cycling to provide your home with sufficient cool air.
What Arrington, TN, Homeowners Can Do When Their ACs Won’t Turn Off
There are several reasons why your AC might keep running. While reaching out to a professional will get you the help you need, before doing so, you might want to try out a few troubleshooting tips, such as:
- Adjusting your thermostat’s temperature and fan settings
- Cleaning or replacing your unit’s filters
- Resetting your unit’s limit switch, which you’ll find near the blower fan
Turn to Arrington’s Trusted Cooling Experts
Even if the home remedies we’ve suggested above work, it’s still a good idea to have a certified technician examine your system. You don’t want to find yourself asking, “Why won’t my AC turn off?” a few weeks down the line.
In addition to assessing your system and implementing lasting solutions, a technician will also provide a few residential spring HVAC maintenance tips. This will help you avoid other problems, such as AC short cycling.
Call Parthenon Plumbing, Heating, and AC Repair today!
