An air conditioner that runs constantly can rack up high electricity bills and place unnecessary strain on your system. Now that warmer weather is just around the corner, it is the best time to do some air conditioner troubleshooting to determine the reasons why your air conditioner just does not seem to shut off.
Check out the tips below for some ideas. For more help and a professional evaluation of your system, contact the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today!
7 Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Tips
Check Air Filters
One of the first air conditioner troubleshooting steps you should take is to check if your air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. Good airflow is required for your system to run efficiently, and if the filter is clogged with dust, the motor works harder to suck in fresh air and compensate for the blockage.
These blockages can cause system overheating due to all of the extra strain. In a worst-case scenario, this can lead impending system failure or a system that is constantly running.
Clean Dirty Air Conditioner Coils
Air conditioner troubleshooting typically starts with the simple things. In addition to your air filter, other parts of the air conditioner may become dirty and clogged as well. The coils can become covered with things like grass cuttings, leaves, pet hair, or anything that can be sucked towards your system. It is these coils’ job to cool the warm air from inside. Once they have lost their effectiveness, the cooling can no longer be performed at an optimal level. The dirt and grime that builds up on these coils insulates and prevents them from being able to cool, causing your system to keep running and trying to do its job.
Condenser coils can generally be cleaned by yourself with a simple hosing, but the evaporator coils are usually located inside the system and require expert attention.
Troubleshoot Your Thermostat
If your coils are clean, the next air conditioner troubleshooting focus should be the thermostat. The thermostat measures the indoor temperature and sets the system running to cool to whatever you set.
A simple air conditioner troubleshooting test is to place another thermometer in the vicinity of your thermostat. It should read roughly the same as your AC system, but if there is a significant difference, you may have a problem.
Check Insulation and Air Leaks
When conducting air conditioner troubleshooting, it is important to consider that it may not just be the system that may be causing problems. Both insulation and air leaks around your home can cause your system to run continually. If the cold air is escaping from your house, the air conditioner has to run longer trying to replace it.
Perform Regular Maintenance
System maintenance has its set of air conditioner troubleshooting areas that a qualified technician will can run through. This not only fixes any problems, it helps your system operate at its most efficient. It is recommended that you get your system tuned up twice a year, so that a technician can check and replace any parts that are worn and make sure all of your system is cleaned and working efficiently.
Consider System Age
Although this is not technically air conditioner troubleshooting, your system’s age can have a significant bearing on its performance. If you have an older system, it may be time to consider replacing it so you can benefit from improved efficiency and lower energy costs.
Consider System Size
After going through the air conditioner troubleshooting list, you may want to consider size. If your air conditioner sizing is incorrect, it will not run properly. Too small and the system runs constantly as it is unable to cool the air effectively. Too large and the system will have shorter running times spread out over longer periods, which in turn increases electricity consumption from constantly starting up and shutting off.
Contact Us for Your St. Louis Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Needs
If you have gone through the air conditioner troubleshooting list yourself and still cannot figure out why your system is running all the time, you may need an expert’s help. Contact the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis today by calling 314-993-1110 and let us take care of it!
