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Troubleshooting Your AC’s Constant Running Problems in Forney
When your AC never seems to shut off during a Forney summer, it’s more than just an inconvenience — it points to a problem. An air conditioner should cycle on and off throughout the day, depending on the temperature inside and outside your home. But when it’s constantly running, it could wear out faster, increase your energy bills, or fail to cool your house properly.
This kind of issue is quite common once the hotter months roll in. Homeowners often think their AC is working hard to manage the heat, when in fact, something could be wrong. Understanding why this problem happens can help you catch it early and avoid more costly repairs.
Common Reasons Your AC Runs Constantly
If your air conditioner is running non-stop, there could be several possible causes. Identifying the problem can start with a visual check, but the real fix might require service. Here are some of the most common issues:
– Dirty Air Filters: Over time, dust and debris clog the filter, making it harder for air to pass through. When airflow is restricted, the AC has to run longer to cool your home, often without much success.
– Thermostat Troubles: A thermostat that’s misreading the temperature or set incorrectly can keep your system running longer than needed. Sometimes the issue lies in its placement. If it’s mounted near a window or heat source, it may think your indoor air is warmer than it actually is.
– Low Refrigerant Levels: Refrigerant is what cools the air in your AC system. If there’s a leak or the levels are low, your AC won’t cool properly, causing it to keep running in an attempt to meet a set temperature.
– Leaky Ductwork: If cooled air escapes through leaky ducts, your home may never feel as cool as it should. This prompts the system to keep pushing out more air to make up for the loss.
– Undersized System or Poor Insulation: In homes where the AC unit is too small or the insulation is weak, the system could struggle to keep up with the summer heat. This causes it to run longer without successfully cooling the space.
Some of these issues are visible, like a dusty air filter or a thermostat located too close to a lamp. Others, like refrigerant leaks or faulty ductwork, require a trained technician to diagnose and fix. A good rule of thumb is that if your system keeps running for hours without cycling off, it’s time to take a closer look before a bigger problem takes hold.
Checking and Replacing the Air Filter
A clogged air filter might seem like a small problem, but it can create a major issue by forcing your AC to work nonstop. Thankfully, checking and replacing the filter is one of the simplest steps you can take to help restore normal cycling. Filters should be checked often during the Forney summer, especially if your AC is running longer than usual.
Follow these steps to inspect and change your air filter:
1. Turn off the system at the thermostat before opening the filter slot.
2. Locate the air filter. This is usually behind a return air vent or inside the indoor unit.
3. Remove the old filter and hold it up to the light. If very little light passes through or you see a heavy layer of dust, it’s time to replace it.
4. Note the size printed on the frame to make sure you get the correct replacement.
5. Insert the new filter with the arrow pointing in the direction of the airflow.
6. Close the cover securely and turn the system back on.
Neglecting your air filter leads to restricted airflow and unnecessary wear on your AC components. If you find yourself needing to replace filters far too often or still have poor cooling, something else may be adding to the problem. That’s usually when an inspection from one of our professionals can help figure out what’s really going on.
Improving Thermostat Settings and Placement
The thermostat controls when your AC turns on and off. When it’s set incorrectly or placed in a bad location, it can give your system the wrong signals, pushing it to run longer than needed. This creates stress on the system and doesn’t always make your home feel cooler.
Here are a few tips to check your thermostat settings and placement:
– Set your thermostat to a realistic temperature, usually between 74 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit during summer.
– Make sure it’s located on an interior wall, away from direct sunlight, lamps, or air vents.
– Avoid placing it near appliances that give off heat, which can confuse the sensor.
– If you have a programmable unit, double-check the scheduled settings.
If you’re living in a two-story home in Forney, you might want to think about having zoned thermostats on each level. Warm air naturally rises, and a single thermostat on the lower floor may not represent the actual temperature upstairs. In some cases, the issue isn’t the settings themselves, but the thermostat hardware. If it’s an older model or gives inconsistent readings, it’s time to have it assessed.
When to Call Our Professionals
There’s a limit to what can be done without diagnostic tools or technical knowledge. Some problems just can’t be fixed without help from trained professionals who can access the system’s internal components. If you’ve already checked the filter and the thermostat and your AC still won’t stop running, that’s a red flag.
Here are some clear signs it’s time to schedule air conditioning service in Forney:
– AC runs nonstop and never reaches the thermostat setting
– You hear strange sounds along with constant operation
– Rooms feel humid or hotter than expected
– Utility bills spike without a change in usage
– There’s weak or inconsistent airflow from vents
Our technicians can check your refrigerant levels, inspect the ductwork, test sensors, and diagnose problems that aren’t visible during surface-level checks. Timely service helps ensure your system doesn’t burn out during the hottest stretch of summer.
Ensuring Reliable Performance During Forney Summers
For homeowners in Forney, the AC is running hard by August. When it’s on around the clock and still not keeping up, a deeper issue could be unfolding. That might be due to airflow problems, thermostat misreads, refrigerant leaks, or a system that’s just too small for the space. Letting it run continuously without getting to the root cause will only raise energy use and shorten equipment lifespan.
Taking early steps like filter replacement and thermostat review can bring things back into balance. But once those quick checks are done and the AC keeps running nonstop, it’s time for a professional evaluation. This is especially important during peak heat, when systems are pushed to their limits and problems surface faster. Getting to it early can prevent more damage and keep your home cool the way it should be.
For reliable comfort this summer, let Infinity Texas Air help you address the reasons your system won’t shut down with professional air conditioning service in Forney. Many homeowners experience improved cooling and greater efficiency when issues are handled early by our skilled technicians. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
