If your AC runs constantly in Ann Arbor, MI, you’re probably worried about your cooling bills. Having an air conditioner running all day can cost a small fortune. Fortunately, there may be a simple solution. Longer run times are often fixable problems. From HVAC air duct leaks to low refrigerant, the following are several common causes of nonstop cooling cycles.
Non-stop operation doesn’t always signal the need for cooling service in Washtenaw County. Air conditioners frequently run nonstop when they’re working against abnormally high heat and humidity. Although most summer days in Ann Arbor rarely see temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the occasional heat wave could drive the mercury much higher. Setting indoor temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than outdoor temperatures keeps air conditioners running until the sun sets and conditions outside improve.
But if your air conditioner is running all day, even on days with moderate temperatures, you might have an HVAC air duct leak. Leaky air ducts deposit conditioned air in remote spaces. If much of your conditioned air is seeping into your attic, garage, or basement, your AC will work harder to cool your living areas.
Air duct leaks create high cooling bills and uncomfortable indoor conditions. Worse still, the increased stress of non-stop performance subjects ACs to undue wear and could shorten their lifespan. If you suspect an HVAC air duct leak, schedule cooling service in Washtenaw County. Our HVAC technicians can use a duct blaster to seal your supply and return vents and find the exact point of air leakage.
During active cooling, AC refrigerant cycles throughout your air conditioner. As a cold liquid, it absorbs heat and moisture. As a hot vapor gas, it releases collected heat and humidity outside. When air conditioners leak refrigerant, heat transfer declines.Â
Unchecked refrigerant leaks place tremendous strain on compressors. These components pressurize and depressurize refrigerant to move it. With less refrigerant, a refrigerant leak could cause your compressor to collapse. Scheduling an AC repair in Ann Arbor, MI can help you avoid compressor failure.
In high concentrations, refrigerant can be dangerous to the health of you and your loved ones. If you suspect there may be a leak, discontinue use until your AC is repaired.
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil acts as a heat exchanger. As warm air moves over it, the cold refrigerant inside absorbs the air’s heat. When evaporator coils have heavy buildups of dirt and other particulate matter, heat transfer declines. This makes ACs less efficient and increases the length of their cooling cycles. If your AC’s coils are dirty and you are unable to access them for cleaning, rather than scheduling an AC repair in Ann Arbor, MI, schedule preventative maintenance service. All air conditioners need professional maintenance at least once annually.
Longer-than-normal cooling cycles could be because of thermostat problems. For instance, your thermostat might have an incorrect setting. Make sure that no one in your household has cranked your thermostat way down. If someone set your thermostat to 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the outdoor temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, your AC will work all day.
You should also make sure that your thermostat’s fan is on “AUTO” rather than “ON”. The “ON” setting causes your HVAC system’s blower fan to run continuously without turning off. On “AUTO”, the blower fan will only run during active cooling to distribute conditioned air.
If your thermostat doesn’t have wires directly connected to your electrical system, it could have low batteries. Low batteries in digital thermostats can lead to erratic signals and malfunctions.
If your air conditioner is running all day, there’s also a chance that it’s getting old. Air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years. But after 10 years, air conditioners have already lost 50% of their efficiency. Aging ACs progressively lose efficiency over the years, even with proper maintenance. They become less effective at transferring heat, run longer cooling cycles, and cost more to use. Upgrading to a new air conditioner means your household will enjoy the latest in efficient cooling technology.Â
If your air conditioner continues to run non-stop, or otherwise behaves unexpectedly, it’s time to schedule an appointment with an HVAC company. Koch & White Heating and Cooling is the trusted choice for AC repair in Ann Arbor, MI. We also offer expert air conditioning maintenance service, air conditioning replacement service, thermostat service, and emergency HVAC support.
When your AC runs constantly in Ann Arbor, contact Koch & White Heating and Cooling for a fast, effective solution.
