Overworked & Overwhelmed: 3 Potential Culprits Stressing Out Your AC Unit
The air conditioner is probably the most used appliance in the summer months. It makes sense, too. After all, your AC unit helps to keep your home cool and comfortable. However, air conditioners are just like any other appliance. If they aren't maintained, they won't function properly.
If your air conditioner has been running more than usual and your home isn't feeling any cooler, you could have a big problem on your hands. So why is your unit running constantly? Here are three possible culprits:
1. Air Leaks
One of the most common reasons for air conditioner troubles is an air leak. If your home isn't properly sealed, the cool air being pumped out of your AC unit will escape. As you might expect, this will make it much harder for your home to reach a cool and comfortable temperature. It will also be much harder for your air conditioner to maintain the temperature of your home.
If your unit is constantly running, check your home for air leaks. You can do this with a candle. Simply light the candle and slowly walk around the perimeter of your home. Common areas for air leaks include the window and door frames. However, air may also leak out through your attic or basement. So be sure to walk around these areas as well. While you're walking with your candle, pay attention to the flame. If it begins to quiver (or extinguishes) you have an air leak.
2. Dirty Air Filter
Your unit may also run constantly due to a dirty air filter. As dirt, pet hair, and debris build up in your air filter your cooling unit will need to work much harder to cool the air. So if you haven't checked on your air filter in awhile, do so now. If it's dirty, all you need to do is clean or replace it.
3. Clogged Condenser Coils
Just like the air filter, the condenser coils on your unit can become clogged. Dirt, grass clippings, dead leaves, and all sorts of debris can clog the condenser coils in your unit. When this occurs, your unit will struggle to cool the air in your home. As you can imagine, this causes your unit to run constantly.
If you haven't cleaned your condenser coils in some time, do it now. All you need to do is rinse them down with a hose. This should fix the problem.
As you can see, there are many reasons for your air conditioner unit to run constantly. If you can't pinpoint the cause of your overworked air conditioner, contact an AC repair company for help. An experienced HVAC contractor can help identify and fix the issue quickly. So that you and your family can stay cool and comfortable all summer long,