On a normal summer day, you can expect your air conditioner to run somewhere around 15 minutes during every cooling cycle. But if your cooling cycles are lasting 30 minutes, an hour, or all day long, there's a good chance that something is amiss with your system. Today we're going to talk about what might be happening when your air conditioner runs constantly and what can be done to solve the problem!

Why is it a problem when your air conditioner runs constantly?

There are two main issues with your air conditioner running more often than it should. The first problem is that it's a big waste of energy. The more often your air conditioner runs, the more energy it will consume and the higher your utility bills will be. The second problem is that it will put a lot of stress on your system and its components, which can lead to breakdowns and the need for repairs.

6 possible reasons why your air conditioner runs constantly

  1. Your air conditioner is too small. When a new air conditioner is installed in your home, your contractor must ensure that the size is not too big, not too small but just right for the size of your home. If the air conditioner that you have is too small, it will run all the time because it isn't powerful enough to meet your home's cooling demands. The only solution to this is to install a properly sized air conditioner in your home.
  2. Your air conditioner is getting old. As air conditioners get older, they begin to lose their ability to properly cool your home. Various system components can begin to become inefficient, and your air conditioner will have to run much more often than it used to keep your home cool. A new air conditioner will not only have shorter cooling cycles but will also consume much less energy.
  3. Your home has air leaks. Air leaks can develop around your windows and doors, as well as in your ductwork. These leaks allow conditioned air to escape your home, which means your air conditioner has to keep producing more cool air and runs more often than it should. To avoid this, be sure to seal the leaks in your home, especially in the areas around your windows and doors.
  4. Your cooling coils are dirty. When your cooling coils are dirty, your air conditioner has a much harder time removing heat from your home. That's why it's so important to have them cleaned during an annual tune-up or to contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning if yours are dirty.
  5. Your thermostat is set to keep it running. Your air conditioner can only handle a specific temperature difference between your home and outside. If your thermostat is set at 65 degrees and it's 95 degrees out, your air conditioner will have to run constantly to try and keep up. Consider raising your thermostat to a more reasonable level.
  6. It's an abnormally hot day. It's important to note that on extremely hot days, you should expect your air conditioner to run more often than usual. Don't let this be a cause for alarm, because your cooling cycles will return to normal when it cools down to more moderate temperatures.

If you have any questions about why your air conditioner runs constantly, or if you'd like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Jerry Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning, your St. Charles, MO, air conditioning contractor. We service the St. Louis area, including towns like St. Paul, St. Peters, and Town and Country, MO.

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