It’s the middle of summer, and your air conditioner (AC) has stopped working! You panic as you realize that it is 90 degrees in your house and there is no way to cool down. You try to turn the AC off, but it just won’t shut off. What do you do? This article will take you through the possible causes and help you know when to call for repairs. Keep on reading!
Mistakes With The Thermostat Settings
One thing to remember when operating your AC unit is the thermostat setting. After all, this is what tells the unit when to turn on and off. So, if the setting is off by even a few degrees, it can cause problems.
For example, if someone sets the thermostat down very low, thinking it will lead to faster cooling, they may be surprised to find that the unit never actually shuts off. This not only wastes energy but can also put a strain on the AC unit, leading to costly repairs down the road.
Similarly, if the thermostat is set too high, it can cause the unit to run constantly without ever reaching the desired temperature. Again, this wastes energy and can lead to premature wear and tear. The best way to avoid these problems is to ensure that the thermostat is set correctly. This simple precaution can help ensure your AC unit runs smoothly and efficiently all season long.
Malfunctioning Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat is one of the reasons an AC unit fails to shut off. The purpose of a thermostat is to tell the AC unit when to turn on and off, depending on the home’s temperature. However, if the thermostat is not working correctly, it may not send the correct signal to the AC unit.
As a result, the AC unit may stay longer than necessary, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills. In some cases, a malfunctioning thermostat can also cause the AC unit to overheat and shut down prematurely.
Clogged Air Filters
Clogged air filters are one reason your AC may fail to shut off. The filter is full of dirt and can restrict airflow and cause the AC to work harder than necessary to cool your home. This can lead to several problems, including reduced efficiency, increased energy bills, and premature wear and tear on the AC unit.
Sometimes, your clogged air filter can cause the AC to freeze up, resulting in a complete system shutdown. To avoid these problems, check your air filter regularly and replace it as needed.
Dirty Condenser Coil
A condenser coil is an essential part of your AC unit. The coil helps to release heat from the refrigerant so that it can be cooled and circulated back into your home. A dirty condenser coil can cause your AC unit to fail to shut off because the coil cannot release the heat properly.
As a result, the refrigerant will continue circulating, and the AC unit will stay on. Not only does this waste energy bills, but it can also lead to higher cooling costs. Sometimes, a dirty condenser coil can cause the AC unit to overheat and shut down completely. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to keep your AC unit clean and free of debris.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
For your AC to work correctly, the evaporator coil must be below the dew point. Otherwise, moisture will condense on the coil and freeze. This can cause two problems. First, the ice will insulate the coil, preventing it from absorbing heat from the air. As a result, the AC will run for more extended periods without decreasing the room’s temperature. Second, the ice can block airflow over the coil, causing the AC to overheat and shut off. If you suspect your AC is not shutting off due to a frozen evaporator coil, turn off the unit and bring in professional help.
Leaking Refrigerant
Another possible reason your AC may not shut off is a refrigerant line leak. When the refrigerant level gets extremely low, it can cause the AC unit to overheat and shut down. Sometimes, a leaking refrigerant line can also cause the AC unit to freeze. If you suspect your AC is not shutting off due to a leaking refrigerant line, turn off the unit and consider professional help.
Undersized Air Conditioner
Lastly, your AC unit may not shut off because it is too small for your home. An undersized AC unit will have to run for extended periods to cool your home, leading to increased energy costs and premature wear and tear. If you think your AC unit isn’t shutting off because it is undersized, call a technician for help.
Final Word
While there are many known reasons why your AC unit may not shut off, these are some of the most common. If you suspect your AC unit isn’t shutting off due to one of these problems, call a technician for help. Taking this simple precaution can help ensure your AC unit runs smoothly and efficiently all season long.