If your air conditioner is not turning off, you should be concerned about how long it will last and its impact on your utility bill. Instead of allowing it to run all day long, gain control of your air conditioner.
The reasons why “air conditioner not turning off” can include:
1. Frozen Evaporator Coils
2. Clogged Air Filter
3. Clogged Fan
4. Damaged Electrical Relay Switch
5. Failed Thermostat
6. Dirty Condenser or Condenser Coils
Furnace Repair Mississauga will illustrate why an AC does not turn off and what you can do about it moving forward. Contact Furnace Repair Mississauga 24/7 for a technician to inspect the unit for all air conditioner problems.
Should an AC Run All Day?
The AC should never run throughout the day as that is not good for the unit. The unit is supposed to go through cycles, and it should happen multiple times per hour with a good unit. The cycles should last approximately 20 minutes or so. When the temperature reaches the desired setting, it should power down to finish the cycle.
When the unit continues to run non-stop, this is a severe problem. If it continues to run like this, you will waste a lot of electricity, and the system will break down due to excessive usage.
Why Won’t The AC Turn Off?
The AC likely won’t turn off because it is dealing with one of the issues listed below:
Electrical Problems
There are situations where the electrical components give out. Failing components can be as simple as the relay switch, which keeps the circuit functional. If it continues to push power to the unit, the unit itself will keep running. You have to fix this stuck relay switch to rectify the problem.
Damaged Thermostat
There are times when a thermostat begins to break down. A failing thermostat happens because the sensor does not work anymore due to excessive wear and tear. Another reason can include dirt or debris on the thermostat. It is also possible for the wiring to loosen, making it difficult for the thermostat to relay the changes to the AC.
Incorrect Thermostat Settings
When the thermostat settings are incorrect, this can cause the AC to run all the time. Incorrect settings happen when multiple people touch the thermostat. Frequent setting adjustments can make it hard for a room to achieve a stable temperature.
Malfunctioning Fan Limit Switch
A malfunctioning fan limit switch means that the fan setting is not accurate. The result is a fan motor that keeps running even when the cooling cycle is over. You can fix it by resetting the limit switch close to the blower fan.
Unclean Condenser & Condenser Coils
A cooling process initiates when the hot air passes over the evaporator coil. The cooling process helps to rid the house of moisture. When the refrigerant goes through the line, it directly impacts the unit. The compressor is then responsible for applying pressure on the refrigerant to move into the condenser coil. When this happens, it releases the heat.
When the condenser coil is dirty, it collects dust and debris, which reduces the effectiveness of removing moisture. Its overall power is restricted, which impacts the cooling process.
When the debris gets into the condenser unit, this restricts how the air flows throughout the unit. When this occurs, the heat is not allowed to get to where it needs to go. Things that do get trapped in the coils can include tall weeds, mulch, and other similar debris that is going to be around the condenser. If the air does not flow the way it needs to, the overall AC will not function as you want it to for the home.
Frozen Evaporator Coils
When the AC is running, the vent releases hot air all the time. When the evaporator coil freezes, it restricts the release of hot air. You have to be careful about how the evaporator coil how manages airflow. If the cooling process is ineffective, the coils can freeze. Ice starts to develop on the coils, which means the refrigerant can’t get to where it needs to.
The reason evaporator coils tend to freeze is how the air flows. When the air filter is dirty, or the room vents are blocked, the coils may be frozen. It is common to develop, which clogs the condensate drip pan and the drain line.
Messy Air Filter
The air filter is responsible for filtering the air coming in. When it is dirty, this gets ruined, which seriously impacts how the AC works. Pollutants getting into the air filter won’t allow the air to flow freely.
Decreasing Refrigerant Levels
People are concerned about the refrigerant levels not being high enough to sustain performance as the temperature increases outside. Low refrigerant levels happen whether there are damaged coils, a leak in the lines, or a component that is not working well. If that happens, the refrigerant will not be there for the AC to work properly. The system might have to run for longer to make up for this issue.
Reduced Fan Speed
When the fan speed is low, the cool air will not move into the home as it needs to. A lack of cool air is a sign the AC is not working as required, and the cool air will not get to where it needs to go. Moreover, the fan blades run at a reduced pace.
Wrong System Size
It is possible the sizing is off for the AC. If the air conditioner is too small, the unit does not have enough power to cool its area. Consequently, the AC keeps running for longer than you would expect, and it does so until the room is cool enough. The best solution for this is often to replace the unit.
How To Fix An AC That Won’t Turn Off
If the AC continues to run and refuses to turn off, you will have a few options up your sleeve before calling in a professional to take a look.
1. Change the Temperature Setting
Changing the temperature setting is an easy option but one you should try first. The goal is to increase the temperature instead of lowering it, which will make the AC think the room is at a suitable temperature and it can turn off. It’s a natural trigger programmed into the thermostat.
2. Change the Fan Settings
You can also play around with the fan settings. You will want to make sure it is on AUTO at all times. An AUTO setting will allow the AC to turn off when the room is cool. It will do if set to run all the time, especially if the unit is undersized or not fit for the home.
3. Cut Out Air Flow Issues
Is there something blocking the air from getting to where it needs to? If so, you will have to find a way to correct this issue before anything else. Remedies may include changing the filter.
4. Clean the Blower Fan
The blower fan can also get dirty, restricting how cool air moves through the system. You will have to consider this when keeping things as cool as possible.
Please get rid of the grime in the system to ensure it operates at peak performance.
To do this, you will want to follow the steps below:
- Turn off the Power Supply To The Unit.
- Remove Access Panel To Reveal Blower Compartment.
- Unscrew The Screws For The Circuit Board. Keep Wires Connected And Move Circuit Board To The Side.
- Remove Screws Holding the Blower Motor And Take Out Of The Cabinet.
- Use Soft-Bristled Brush To Remove Debris From Fan Blades. Vacuum Debris From Blades and Cabinet.
- Readjust the Blower Assembly and Secure It In Place. Readjust the Circuit Board Too. Restore Power To The Unit Now.
Call Furnace Repair Mississauga For More Information
If the AC refuses to turn off and you can’t seem to fix the problem, feel free to call a trusted HVAC technician in Mississauga. The professional will go through everything to look at what’s going on before developing a viable solution.
