Know when it’s time to call for an AC repair!
While we might still see more heat this year, if your air conditioner has been working overtime to keep up, you might get a little too used to hearing it running in the background. If your unit doesn’t stop at all (or rarely lets you hear silence in the background), you should have the problem addressed as quickly as possible. AC units that cycle on and off regularly are a big cause for concern (before and after you get your energy bill!).
Find the Culprit!
The most common causes of an air conditioning unit that won’t turn off include:
Dirty Evaporator Coil: If you neglected to have your air conditioning unit serviced before kicking it on for the year, the evaporator coil inside could be covered in dirt, debris, and yard leavings. That dirt and debris can stop the AC unit from cooling down everything enough. It will also force your air conditioning unit to work even harder to maintain the right temperature. If your coil was cleaned a few months ago, but you’ve done a lot of yard work, there’s a good chance it could be dirty again.
Frozen Evaporator Coil: If the AC unit is putting out warm air while it runs, the evaporator coil might be frozen. You should troubleshoot by unplugging your unit and calling an HVAC technician to prevent more damage.
Clogged Air Filter: When your AC unit’s air filter is full of dirt and other particles, the flow of air out of the unit will be heavily restricted. A clogged air filter can lead to your AC unit functioning poorly and running all the time in an attempt to cool down your space.
Air Filters That Aren’t Appropriate for Your Unit: If you installed a new high-efficiency air filter on your air conditioning unit recently and it is an allergen filter, it might be too restrictive for your AC unit. If you aren’t getting enough flow, choose a filter with a low MERV value.
Low Refrigerant Charge: If you don’t have enough refrigerant in the HVAC system, the air conditioning unit will never be able to cool your home. The air conditioner will continue running and tiring itself out, but it won’t make much progress in actually cooling your home.
A Broken or Malfunctioning Thermostat: A thermostat that is not working properly won’t tell notify the air conditioning unit that it’s time to turn off once the proper temperature has been reached. If the temperature in your home or office is below the point you set the thermostat at; the thermostat might need to be replaced entirely.
Leaks in Your Ducts: Energy loss through duct leaks is all too common in businesses and homes with traditional air conditioning units. Take the time to have your ducts inspected and examined for leaks at the joints and along the length of the ducts.
We Are Proud of the Company We Keep
William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided an unmatched level of customer service to all of our clients, and we enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!
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