7 Reasons Why Your AC Is Running Constantly in Elm Grove, WI

You can have too much of a good thing. When your air conditioning unit doesn’t turn off when it should, there’s likely an electrical or maintenance problem beneath the surface.

A cooling system that runs for far too long wastes your money by increasing your monthly energy bills. It also stresses out your system and increases the chances it’ll break down, which is even more wasted money. If your AC is running constantly in Elm Grove, WI, it’s time to get a tune-up.

A tune-up is a mixture of inspection and maintenance, which is just what your system needs to keep working properly. Before you reach out for AC maintenance, though, let’s look at what’s troubling your unit.

7 Reasons Why Your AC Is Running Constantly (and Whether or Not You Can Fix It)

“Is it just me or has the AC been on for a long time?” is a question you might’ve asked by this point. Try to narrow down the cause by looking at the most common reasons below.

1. Electrical Problems

An AC or HVAC system has a complex set of wires that connect it to your electrical supply. If any of these wires are worn out, disconnected, or physically damaged, they can cause all kinds of problems.

Your unit might not be getting the right amount of electricity to trigger its shut-off feature, resulting in long running times with no explanation. While you might be tempted to pull apart your system and check inside, resist the urge! Only a technician has the skill and tools to safely inspect your electrical wiring.

2. Dirty Filters

Sometimes your AC is running constantly because it can’t do its job very well. Extremely dirty filters slow down airflow and prevent your system from cooling your home, so it can stay on for a long time attempting to get the temperature down.

Unlike the first section of this list, dirty filters are something you can fix. We recommend swapping out your filters every three to four months (though five to six months is fine if you don’t use your system often).

3. Stuck Switches

Some air conditioners have switches that turn on or off to protect their performance. For example, a fan limit switch can turn a furnace blower off to protect an HVAC from overheating.

If you had maintenance over recently, it’s possible they changed the settings on your cooling system and forgot to let you know. Instead of fiddling with your settings, it’s best to get a professional eye to make sure you don’t accidentally make the issue worse.

4. Low Refrigerant

Without refrigerant, your cooling system can’t do its main job. Refrigerant is the chemical responsible for changing warm air into cool air. If your refrigerant levels are too low, your system will have to work harder and longer to cool down.

If these levels are extremely low, your system won’t ever reach the right temperature and will just stay on until you turn it off manually.

5. Old or Inaccurate Thermostat

Sometimes everything about your AC unit is working just fine…except the thermostat. A very old or poorly calibrated thermostat might tell your system the room is warmer than it actually is. 

If your thermostat is sending your system inaccurate readings and is over ten years old, it’s time to replace it. We offer thermostat installation services to give you access to the latest technology, including smart features like automated scheduling and energy use alerts.

6. Wrong Size

Calling for AC repair in Elm Grove, WI, may not be in the cards. Instead of a maintenance issue, you may be dealing with a cooling system that’s not appropriately sized for your home.

A cooling unit that’s far too small stays on for long periods because it’s not equipped to cool a large space. You can also see the opposite problem with cooling units that are too big, which usually short-cycle (turning off far too soon).

7. Old Age

Is your air conditioner ten years old or older? Old age is a common reason why your AC is running constantly in Elm Grove. It might just be a little too outdated to keep up with cooling demands. 

A common rule-of-thumb in the home maintenance field is installing an AC or HVAC replacement every decade to stay on top of the latest technology. Southport provides Wisconsin homeowners with energy-efficient installations designed to fit your home’s unique needs. We look at everything from size to lifestyle to make sure you end up with a model that exceeds your expectations. 

An AC constantly running in Elm Grove might not be your only challenge. If you’re noticing short cycling, that’s a problem that’ll also need professional attention. 

Constant Running vs Short Cycling: Which Is Worse?

The short answer is both! An AC running far too long is a waste of money, but short-cycling also causes trouble in the long term.

Your cooling system uses a significant amount of energy to start up and cool your home. If it’s constantly turning off and turning back on, that’s a lot of energy that goes nowhere. 

Short-cycling is notoriously stressful on your system and tends to wear out your capacitor, the part of your system responsible for keeping your motor and fan running.

Is Running Your AC or HVAC All Day Okay?

No, your cooling system should never be left on all day. Even if you’re dealing with a very hot day, you need to turn your unit off and give it a break so it doesn’t wear out too fast. 

Leaving your system on all day long increases the risk it’ll overheat and break down. You’ll end up with a much more expensive repair job on your hands (and if the damage is serious enough, a full replacement).

Why You Should Schedule a Tune-Up Every Year

How can you reduce the risk of your AC running constantly in Elm Grove? Regularly scheduled tune-ups for your cooling system combine in-depth inspections with basic maintenance.

While repair jobs focus on repairing serious damage like a broken motor or leak, tune-ups are preventative in nature. During a tune-up, a technician inspects, cleans, and tests your system to reduce the risk of serious problems, including important tasks like:

• Changing dirty filters and cleaning dirty condenser coils
• Reviewing your electrical connections to make sure they’re not damaged or worn out
• Calibrating your thermostat to make sure it’s sending accurate readings
• Testing your system to look for any odd sounds or odors
• Improving your home’s airflow by cleaning out ducts and sealing up air leaks

Do you need help maintaining your AC or HVAC in Elm Grove? Southport has the local expertise and great deals you need to keep your system in great shape.

Contact Southport Today to Inspect Your Cooling System

An AC running constantly in Elm Grove, WI, is just one of the many issues we fix. Our NATE-certified HVAC team is ready to drop by, inspect your system, and provide a long-lasting solution. 

If you’re on a tight budget, we offer flexible financing to ensure you can still enjoy home services. We also offer a Shield Maintenance Plan to give you discounts on regular visits.

Ready to enjoy dependable cooling again? Get a free quote by filling out our form!