A malfunctioning air conditioning unit in Wilmington, NC can interfere with the comfort of your home while affecting you financially. Depending on the problem, the malfunction could also affect the longevity of your cooling equipment. Typically, an AC unit will cycle on and off to maintain the temperature set on your thermostat. If you notice your unit isn’t turning off, you can first consider the most common causes and solutions. We recommend reaching out to us at Green Dot Heating & Air for professional assistance.
How Your Air Conditioning System Works
Your thermostat is the central hub for your air conditioning equipment. When the temperature inside your home rises above your set temperature, this should turn your AC unit on. Your air conditioning equipment will run until your home cools off. The equipment will then turn back off. If you’re noticing very long run cycles, you’re not achieving your set temperature or your equipment isn’t turning off, this is cause for concern.
The mechanical components of your system could be preventing your system from shutting down. The refrigerant lines could also be clogged or have another issue. If your AC isn’t reaching the desired temperature, it’s failing to cool properly and isn’t going to shut down as it should.
While the middle of the summer is the peak cooling season, which means longer cooling cycles are normal, you should still see cycles ending periodically. If your air conditioner is running constantly without cycles ever breaking, contact our team of professionals for immediate assistance to prevent permanent damage to your cooling equipment.
Problems With Your Thermostat
If you notice your air conditioning unit isn’t turning off, the first thing to check is your thermostat settings. The fan setting may have been inadvertently set to the “on” position instead of “auto.” This can cause the system to run continuously even when the cooling elements are not engaged.
If the thermostat is on auto and the air conditioner is still running, it might be reading the temperature of the room incorrectly and require recalibration. AC maintenance technicians can clean older thermostats to remove buildup on interior components and repair or calibrate them. They can also replace older models with modern smart thermostats. Even the best thermostats are only designed to last about a decade, so if you can’t remember the last time yours was replaced, it might be time for an upgrade. A new smart or programmable model not only addresses the problem at hand but can help you manage your energy use more efficiently.
Issues With Electrical Components
Periodic electrical inspections are always a good idea. During an inspection of your AC unit, our technicians will check parts like control boards and relays to ensure everything is operating appropriately and that there are no damaged parts.
The relay switch and compressor contactor should freely open and close to safely control the flow of electricity through your system. If there is a problem with this setup, the unit could continue running even if the thermostat signals it’s time to turn off.
Loose or damaged wires can prevent the cooling system from communicating properly with your thermostat. This can occur from normal wear and tear over time or defective equipment.
Most modern air conditioning units will use a control board to manage the functions of your AC system. This includes things like powering down when your home reaches the intended temperature. Issues that can occur to your control board include component failure or moisture damage.
Incorrectly Sized AC Equipment
When you first have an AC unit installed, choosing the correct size is critical. If you have equipment that’s too small, it will struggle to keep up with your temperature demands. You may find that it’s running frequently and not turning off. This can lead to inefficiency and shorten the life expectancy of your equipment.
Installing an air conditioner that’s too large will also cause issues. You may find that your home is cooling off too quickly, resulting in equipment cycling on and off frequently. It may also fail to turn off when it’s reached a set temperature but is having difficulty with its humidity balance.
Taking Into Account Insulation
Sufficient insulation throughout your home and around your ductwork is vital. It helps keep cool and conditioned air where it belongs. If you lack insulation, this can lead to temperature imbalances and an AC unit that consistently runs.
Problems With Your Ductwork
If your ductwork lacks adequate airflow, your AC equipment will not work properly and turn off after a cycle. Some homes may not have enough ductwork or the placement may be inadequate. This prevents cool air from getting to all your living spaces, including the one that houses your thermostat. Too much ductwork can have the same effect.
There may also be problems with your ducting that are leading to system malfunction. For example, cracks or holes in your ducting can allow cool air to escape into ceilings and walls instead of circulating into the various rooms in your home. This is an issue that can be fixed with ductwork repair. We will find areas of damage using specialized camera equipment. We can seal your ducts every few years to prevent damage from forming.
Keep Up With Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Schedule an annual inspection and maintenance for your AC unit. This appointment can allow us to spot minor issues before they lead to major problems that can prevent your system from shutting off when necessary. Avoid DIY maintenance other than changing your HVAC filter periodically. Maintenance from an unqualified professional can be disastrous.
Other Methods to Prevent Continuous Operation
If your AC equipment is inspected and it turns out there isn’t anything wrong that requires repair or replacement, there are other methods you can use to prevent overusing your AC.
Use Supplemental Fans
Running ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction. This creates a cooling effect in your home and helps circulate air coming from your AC.
Use Window Coverings
Keep your windows covered during the hottest times of the day. This may vary depending on the areas of your home that receive the most direct sunlight.
Maintain Your HVAC Filters
Replace your filters every 30 to 90 days to promote ample airflow. If you’re using your AC frequently during a heatwave or have pets in the home, you may need more frequent replacement.
If you need new AC equipment, reach out to our team. We will perform a load calculation to determine what size of AC unit you need for your household size and cooling demands. This can help prevent issues with your equipment not turning off.
We will also inspect your ductwork before selecting a new AC unit and installing it. We can make necessary modifications to promote proper airflow and cooling ability.
Green Dot Heating & Air in Wilmington can help you quickly diagnose problems preventing your AC equipment from turning off. We can perform repairs as well as routine maintenance that can prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. Contact Green Dot Heating & Air for cooling assistance in Wilmington today!
