Are you having trouble with your air conditioner? Does it keep running even when it is turned off? Well, you are not alone!
This article will give you all the answers you have been looking for as well as guiding you through how you can fix this issue.
Table of Contents
Air Conditioning Systems: How Do They Work?
The first thing that you should know about an air conditioning system is that they work by using a refrigerant to cool or heat the inside of your home.
The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit and passes through different parts of the unit before returning back to the compressor where it gets compressed again.
The Different Types Of Air Conditioners
There are two types of air conditioners: central air conditioning systems and window units.
Central air conditioning systems work best in large homes with multiple rooms. Window units are more suitable for small houses.
Central air conditioning systems consist of a single indoor unit and one or more outdoor units.
These units are usually installed outside the building.
The indoor unit contains all the necessary components to cool the entire house.
This includes the compressor, condensing coil, cooling coils, and fans.
Window units typically have only one component: the evaporator. This is because they are designed to cool just one room.
You can buy both central air conditioning systems and windows units.
You can also combine them together to create a hybrid system.
In this case, the indoor unit would contain the compressor and the condensing coil; while the outdoor unit would include the evaporator.
Is My Air Conditioner Working Properly?
If you notice any problems with your air conditioner, such as loud noises coming from it, then you need to check if there’s something wrong with it.
You may also want to check if the thermostat is working properly.
It’s important to note that the thermostat controls both the heating and cooling systems.
So, if you find that the temperature is either too hot or cold, then you would probably want to change the settings on the thermostat so that everything works fine.
On other occasions, it may be that your air conditioner keeps running and although this may seem great (especially on a hot summer’s day) this is simply a waste of energy which needs to be sorted out.
Why My Air Conditioner Keeps Running When Turned Off
There are many reasons why your air conditioner keeps turning on and running when it’s turned off. Some of these include;
1. A loose connection somewhere within the unit.
2. An electrical problem.
3. A broken part.
4. A dirty filter.
5. An old motor.
6. A faulty fan switch (see also ‘How To Wire 3 Speed Fan Switch’).
7. A clogged drain line.
8. Low refrigerant levels.
9. Faulty wiring.
10. Poor ventilation.
How Do I Fix An Air Conditioner That Keeps Running?
Before trying to fix your air conditioner, it is first important to understand why it is running when turned off.
Above, we have listed some reasons as to why it is happening such as a faulty fan switch or a loose connection.
Once that has been figured out, you can then move on to fixing the issue at hand.
First, make sure that the power supply is switched off.
If you cannot turn off the power supply, then you may need to contact your electrician.
Next, you need to locate the main control board. This is usually located near the top of the unit.
Once you have found it, disconnect the wires that connect to it. Then, try switching the power supply back on.
If the problem still persists, then you may need repair services.
You may also want to consider replacing the entire unit. This is especially true if the unit is more than 10 years old.
You may also want to check the filters and coils. These are two things that help prevent dust and dirt from getting into the unit.
Also, they remove moisture from the air.
It is also possible that you have a damaged wire.
In order for you to determine whether or not this is the case, you will need to test each wire individually.
Finally, you may want to clean the condenser coil. This is one of the most common causes of an air conditioner that keeps running.
Make sure that you do not touch anything while cleaning the coil. Instead, use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of all the debris.
Air Conditioner Is Not Cooling Room
If you notice that your room is not cool even though the air conditioner is on, then you should immediately call in professional help.
The reason behind this is that the air conditioner might not be able to keep up with the heat.
In addition, if the system is not working properly, then you may end up having to pay for repairs. This could cost you thousands of dollars.
So, before calling in professionals, you should always try to diagnose the problem yourself.
Below, we have provided a list of steps that you can take to figure out what is causing the problem.
1. Check the thermostat.
Make sure that the thermostat is set correctly. You should also ensure that the temperature setting is correct.
2. Check the vents.
Make sure that there is no obstruction in any of the vents.
3. Check the compressor.
Check the compressor to see if it is making noise.
4. Check the blower.
Make sure that it is spinning.
5. Check the ductwork.
Ensure that there is nothing blocking the flow of air.
6. Check the filter.
Look for any blockages.
7. Check the evaporator.
Make sure that its fins are clean.
8. Check the drain pan.
This is where water collects after being condensed by the evaporator.
9. Check the condensate line.
If you find something wrong here, then you should replace it.
10. Check the drain hose.
Make sure that everything is connected properly.
Thermostat Vs Air Conditioner: What’s The Difference?
A thermostat regulates the temperature inside your home. It controls how much energy goes through the heating/cooling system.
A thermostat has three parts: the sensor, the control panel, and the wiring.
The sensor detects the temperature inside your house.
The control panel tells the thermostat when to turn on and off the heating/cooling equipment.
The wiring connects the sensors to the control panel.
An air conditioner works similarly to a thermostat.
However, instead of controlling the temperature inside your home, it helps regulate the humidity level.
An air conditioner consists of four main components: the compressor, the condenser, the expansion valve, and the evaporator.
The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas into a liquid state. The condenser changes the liquid refrigerant back into a gaseous form.
The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the refrigerant gas.
Finally, the evaporator absorbs the heat from the surrounding environment.
When you install or repair an air conditioning unit, make sure that you follow these simple tips:
1. Always check the electrical connections first.
2. Make sure that the air conditioner is plugged into the wall socket. If it is not, then you need to change the plug.
3. Ensure that the power cord is securely attached to the outlet.
4. Look at the fan blades. They should be clean and free of debris.
5. Inspect the outdoor unit.
How Do I Know Which Type Of Air Conditioner Is Right For My Home?
You should choose an air conditioning system based on the following factors:
• Your climate.
• How many people live in your home?
• Whether you want to use the air conditioner during summer or winter months.
• The size of your home.
• The number of rooms that require air conditioning.
• The amount of money that you’re willing to spend.
If you’re unsure about which type of air conditioning system is right for your home, consider asking a professional.
He will help you determine whether you need a central air conditioning system or a window unit.
What Are Some Common Problems With An Air Conditioner?
Here are some common problems associated with air conditioners:
• A malfunctioning thermostat.
• Dirty filters.
• Clogged ductwork.
• Overheating.
• Leaking pipes.
• Poor insulation.
• Low refrigerant levels.
• Improper installation.
• Faulty wiring.
• Damaged compressors.
How Much Will It Cost To Have an Air Conditioner Repaired?
With a broken AC, the first thing you will think about is the cost. Repairs to air conditioners cost between $200 and $500.
However, if you hire a professional technician, he may charge as much as $1000.
Why Should I Hire Professional Technicians To Repair My Air Conditioner?
Most homeowners don’t know how to troubleshoot their air conditioners.
As a result, they end up spending hours trying to fix the problem themselves. This could lead to further damage to the unit.
Professional technicians understand how air conditioners work.
They can quickly identify any problems and repair them without causing additional damage.
Professional technicians are trained to handle all kinds of air conditioners (see also ‘Air Conditioner Running But Not Lowering Temperature | Troubleshooting Tips‘).
They can replace old parts and install new ones. If there’s a leak in the ductwork, they can locate it and fix it.
They also offer preventive maintenance services.
This means that they check your air conditioner regularly and make sure that it works properly.
In addition, they can provide advice on how to improve energy efficiency. This way, you won’t be wasting electricity.
Are There Any Other Benefits To Having Professionals Fix My Air Conditioner? Yes!
Having professionals repair your air conditioner is better than doing it yourself. First, you won’t have to pay for the labor costs.
Second, you won’t have to wait until someone else fixes your air conditioner.
Third, you are more likely to get quality service from a reputable company.
Final Thoughts
Air conditioning is one of those things that we take for granted. But, it’s actually quite important.
Without it, our homes wouldn’t be comfortable. And, without comfort, we wouldn’t feel like living in our own homes.
That’s why it’s so important that you find a reliable company when you need repairs done.
If you do this, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable home throughout the year.
Remember, many people have had issues with air conditioning so fixing it will be easy for a repairman.
You will be living in a comfortable home again in no time.
