If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner never stops running, there’s a possibility that there’s a kink in the system that needs working out. While it’s normal for your air conditioner to run on hot days, it’s not normal for it to run longer than necessary to maintain a constant temperature within your home. If you notice that your air conditioner isn’t supplying the desired level of cool air, then an air conditioner service technician can inspect the system and identify what’s causing the fault.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 for more information about the AC repairs we offer. It’s our pleasure to take a look at your Charleston-area air conditioner and determine the precise cause of the problem.

Common Causes of Continually Running Air Conditioners

Monitor Airflow and Low Blower Speeds

Your air conditioner requires a steady stream of airflow to keep your home cool and comfortable. If this flow is restricted or blocked, it causes your air conditioner to work harder to supply the desired comfort level. If you notice weak airflow coming through the vents, it can be because you have leaky or disconnected ductwork, a closed/blocked air vent, or a dirty air filter.

Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils

It is essential to keep your evaporator coil clean and free of debris. If the evaporator coil is dirty, this impedes the ability of the refrigerant to absorb heat from the air as it flows over the coil. Usually, cleaning this off can improve the efficiency of the air conditioning unit.

Likewise, a dirty condenser coil can prevent the release of the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. This can limit the unit’s ability to maintain the appropriate temperature within the home effectively. As with a dirty evaporator coil, cleaning the condenser coil is something you should perform regularly.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about the air conditioner cleaning and repair services we offer to clients in West Ashley, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant. It’s our pleasure to schedule a service call to inspect your system and tune-up your air conditioner’s operation.

Lack of Coolant

If the system is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to achieve the desired temperature settings. This can cause the air conditioner to run, and run, and run. Signs of coolant problems include puddles of coolant around the system. When pools of coolant appear, there’s most certainly a leak that needs repairing. Other signs include ice that builds up on the refrigerant lines inside or outside the air conditioning unit, warm air blowing through the vents, or a bubbling, hissing noise coming from the air conditioner. In most cases, sealing the leak and replacing the lost coolant is sufficient to restore the air conditioner’s cooling capacity.

The Wrong Sized Air Conditioner (or Ducts)

Air conditioners that are too small for the home don’t have the required cooling capacity to cool the home. This is a common problem that starts with installing the wrong unit in the home, apartment, or business. If the unit is too small, it will run constantly, trying to deliver the cooling demands you place on it. Over time, this will wear the system out and result in air conditioner failure.

If you notice the airflow in the home is cool and consistent, but never shuts off, there’s a good chance your air conditioner is too small. Similarly, if the evaporator coil is frozen, this is caused by low pressure within the unit, which means the system is the wrong size for the structure.

Also, if you have recently completed an addition, but didn’t install a larger air conditioner, the new addition may have increased the square footage of your home beyond the capacity of the previously installed unit. Likewise, if the ducts are too small for the size of the air conditioner, they won’t be able to effectively and efficiently distribute the air throughout your home.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about sizing the right air conditioner for your home in West Ashley, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant. It’s our pleasure to help you find the unit that will deliver the desired cooling capacity and energy efficiency for your property.

Damaged or Faulty Thermostat

One of the most common causes of an air conditioner that won’t shut off is a damaged or faulty thermostat. Bad batteries, broken wires, and faulty software can all cause a thermostat to malfunction. When the thermostat malfunctions, this will send the wrong commands to your air conditioner and furnace.

Contact Preferred Home Services at (843) 405-3601 to learn more about our thermostat inspection and repair services. Our certified HVAC technicians can inspect the unit and conduct any required repairs, updates, or replacements you need in your West Ashley, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant home.