The sweltering heat of SoCal summers has us running to our dependable air conditioner for comfort. You may be working your AC 24/7 to keep your house cool – but is it okay?
First, let us clarify what you mean when you say the AC is running 24/7. Check the thermostat. If it is on “Auto Mode”, the AC unit will run longer without cycling on and off often because of the high outside temperature.
Longer cycles are regular during the hot season. Running with fewer cycles decreases your AC unit’s wear and tear from starting and stopping and helps dehumidify your SoCal home.
Ask yourself:
- Is your energy bill relatively the same compared to the previous months?
- Is your AC unit working correctly – no unusual sounds, smell, or water leaks?
- Is your comfort uncompromised – air vents are blowing sufficient cold air, and the room temperature is right?
If you answered yes, then do not worry. Your AC unit is working fine. However, if you notice anything unusual and a spike in your energy bill while your AC unit runs 24/7, you should be concerned.
Why It’s Wrong for the AC to Run 24/7
Keeping the air conditioner running non-stop has negative consequences.
Wasted Energy
Air Conditioners consume 6% of the energy in the United States. Your AC unit is one of the highest energy users in your home at its standard capacity. If you run your AC 24/7 without cycling off, you consume more energy for nothing. You are wasting energy by keeping your air conditioner running non-stop after it has reached your desired room temperature.
Higher Energy Bill
The higher the electricity consumption, the higher the energy bill. If you do not want your utility bill to skyrocket, let your AC unit cycle off as usual.
System Shutdown
Your body cannot work 24/7 and needs to rest and sleep. The same goes for your air conditioner. It will break down sooner than expected when overworked without rest.
5 Reasons Why Your AC Works Non-Stop
If your AC unit does not cycle off and acts out of the ordinary, there could be a problem in your HVAC system. Here are the common reasons why your AC unit is running 24/7:
Undersized HVAC System
Are you bothered that your new AC works 24/7? You may have an underperforming air conditioner if your room does not reach the thermostat temperature on hot days, even when the air vents blow cold air and airflow is normal.
It is crucial to install the right-size air conditioner in your home. An undersized unit will work harder and overtime to reach the right temperature in a large house. Working Non-stop will reduce the evaporator coil pressure until it freezes. When the coil freezes, refrigerant can flow to the compressor, freeze, and damage it. If this happens, you’ll have to replace the compressor, which can be expensive.
Contact an HVAC professional to conduct a heat load calculation to determine the right size AC unit for your SoCal home. Upgrading to the right AC unit size will save you money on energy costs.
Wrong Thermostat Setting
You may have programmed the thermostat setting to “on”. In this setting, your AC unit will not cycle off even when it has reached the desired room temperature. Setting the temperature to a low temperature of 68 degrees or less when the outdoor temperature is more than 95 degrees, can strain your AC unit.
Switch the thermostat setting to “Auto Mode” so that your AC can run its usual cycle. This way, you do not waste energy by overworking your AC unit. The US Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer to save energy while maintaining comfort.
Dirty and Clogged Coils
The indoor unit evaporator coil absorbs heat and moisture from the air. The outdoor unit condenser coil disperses the heat outside your home. The evaporator coil collects dirt and debris along with moisture. Dust on the evaporator coil prevents the refrigerant from absorbing heat. A dirty condenser prevents heat from escaping. Your AC unit struggles and overwork to absorb the heat inside your home and disperse it outside.
Seek help from HVAC professionals for AC maintenance services. They will clean the condenser and evaporator coils and perform maintenance tasks to ensure your AC unit’s efficiency performance.
Low Refrigerant
Your AC unit runs low on refrigerant when it is undercharged during installation, or there is a refrigerant line leak. When refrigerant leaks, the low pressure in the refrigerant line causes freezing. Ice can form in the refrigerant line and extend to the evaporator and condenser coils. With frozen coils, your AC system will work double-time to deliver the cold air to the room.
Contact HVAC professionals immediately to check your AC’s refrigerant level. They will check for refrigerant line leaks and seal them. They will also recharge the AC’s refrigerant and properly dispose of excess freon.
Restricted Airflow
Your AC unit may be working non-stop because it can deliver enough cold air to your home. The air going to the blower may be restricted by:
- Dirty or clogged
- Weak airflow
- Damaged or wrong-sized ductwork
- Blocked or closed vents
- Broken blower motor
Try these steps to ensure the unrestricted flow of the air in the AC blower:
- Move furniture, curtains, and drapes that block return grilles
- Open all supply vents even in unused rooms
- Clean or replace the dirty air filter
- Check air ducts for clogs and leaks
24/7 Air Conditioner Services
To ensure that your HVAC system’s efficiency, our HVAC professionals will perform a 32-point tune-up that includes:
- Thermostat testing and calibration
- Blower motor amperage and voltage measurement
- Air filter cleaning
- Evaporator coil inspection
- Refrigerant operating pressures monitoring
- Checking for refrigerant line leaks using a freon leak detector
- Air vents inspection for proper airflow
- Ductwork checking for leaks and clogs
- Inspection of all wiring connections
- Checking for safety issues
At Home Comfort USA, our operators are standing by 24 hours a day and seven days a week to service your air conditioning needs.
Get your AC checked right await if you think it’s been working non-stop. Call us (888) 462-0089 or schedule an appointment today.