Hot Pennsylvania summers tend to lead to homeowners turning their AC units on full blast to get a break from the heat. While you expect your system to get frequent usage, you also expect it to shut off every so often. So when your AC unit continues to run at all hours of the day and causes your energy bill to skyrocket, it could be time to have the professionals come in for regular AC maintenance.
There could be several reasons your AC unit continuously runs throughout the summer; however, you have options available to improve the unit’s efficiency and give you a break from the skyrocketing bills.
What’s Causing My AC to Run Nonstop?
On the hot days of the summer months, your AC unit is your best bet to cool your home effectively. However, if your home isn’t reaching the desired temperature, your AC system runs constantly to try and achieve that temperature zone. It runs longer, causing more wear and tear and leading to more serious breakdowns in your cooling system.
The underlying causes of this overrunning problem can prove difficult to identify — if you don’t know where to look. Here are some of the most common culprits causing your air conditioner to run into overdrive.
Your AC Unit Isn’t the Right Size
Not every air conditioner is built the same. Each unit gets constructed to accommodate a particular house size, and when your home has an AC unit designed for a smaller home installed, things can get dicey. You want an energy-efficient unit built for the size of your home installed, one that can reach every inch of your home with minimal cool air loss and bring your home to the target temperature quickly and without needing to run constantly.
Additionally, if your unit is too big for your home, moisture won’t get removed. The run times may feel shorter, but it will turn on more frequently to compensate and begin using more electricity and send your bills skyrocketing.
Poor Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is the delivery system your AC unit uses to deliver cool air throughout your home. The way the ductwork is laid out should deliver that reprieve from the heat as efficiently as possible; however, any issues within the ducts can tank your efficiency and potentially lead to your system constantly running.
If the metal work was hastily put in, the sizing was wrong, or they have suffered damage, the airflow becomes obstructed and doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the home. This uneven distribution leads to the house not reaching the desired temperature and the system constantly running to try and compensate.
Dirty Air Filters and Evaporator Coils Ruining Your Efficiency
Like with improperly sized ductwork, a dirty air filter or evaporator coil can ruin your system’s airflow and cause overrunning. Dirty filters restrict the airflow and significantly limit the amount of cool air distributed throughout your home. Regularly cleaning and changing the filters can help improve the airflow and your efficiency.
Additionally, dirty evaporator and condenser coils can significantly affect your AC’s performance. Grass clippings, pet hair, and even mud can get into your unit’s exterior condenser unit coils and cause your system to overheat. Cleaning the condenser coils can be done with a hose — after you shut off the unit’s power — but the evaporator coils may prove harder to get to and require a professional’s touch.
Trust Mister Sewer, Plumbing & HVAC With Your AC Maintenance
Pittsburgh area homeowners shouldn’t worry about dealing with underperforming HVAC units during the hot summer months. Our expertly trained technicians can help you identify the underlying problems with your unit and address the issues directly. Contact Pittsburgh’s top drain cleaning and AC maintenance company to schedule your next appointment!