Why Is My Air Conditioner Fan Always Running And What To Do Next

During those hot summer days, if the relentless hum of your air conditioner becomes the predominant background noise, it’s clear there’s an issue that needs your attention. Normally, an air conditioner should cycle off periodically, not operate continuously. Ideally, each cooling cycle would last about 15 to 20 minutes, punctuated by a distinct downtime of around 7 to 10 minutes. If your unit persistently operates beyond these intervals without resting, this indicates an underlying issue. This article from Tevis Energy answers a common question: Why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner, and what can you do next?

Explore Our HVAC System Services Call To Schedule A Free, In-Home Consultation

Why Does The Fan Keep Running On My Air Conditioner?

Several factors can contribute to the continuous running of your air conditioner’s fan, such as:

1. Damage to the fan itself
2. A malfunctioning thermostat
3. Issues with the air filter
4. The fan switch is set to “manual”
5. Dirty or frozen condenser coils
6. Excessive hot air entering your home
7. An improperly sized unit for your house
8. Aging, damaged, or faulty ductwork
9. Insufficient coolant or refrigerant levels in the system

Explore Our Cooling Services Call Today: (410) 876-6800

Cause #1: Damaged Air Conditioner Fan

In many older air conditioning systems, a damaged fan is often the culprit behind continuous operation. Normal wear and tear and debris or buildup around the motor can deteriorate this critical component. Excessive accumulation can lead to the fan cracking and breaking. Contrary to what one might expect, this does not cause the unit to cease functioning; instead, it forces the air conditioner to work even harder to maintain performance.

Cause #2: Broken Thermostat

The thermostat acts as the control center of your air conditioning system, instructing the unit on its objectives and signals when it can rest after achieving those goals. Nonetheless, if your thermostat is malfunctioning, it disrupts this crucial process. It might misread the indoor temperature or fail to read it, misleading your unit into believing it still has yet to reach the desired temperature, causing continuous operation.

Prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your air conditioner unit with a comprehensive tune-up from Tevis Energy’s experienced technicians. Call us today!

Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Services Call Tevis Energy Today

Cause #3: Fan Switch Set to Manual

Many air conditioning units feature a fan control setting marked “on” or “manual.” If set to these options, the fan will operate nonstop until manually switched off. Check if the unit is set to “auto” mode, which should prompt it to enter a normal operating cycle. 

Typically, a normal cycle includes 15 to 20 minutes of operation followed by a 5 to 15-minute break, varying based on home size, weather conditions, and the unit itself. Issues are indicated if the fan restarts in less than five minutes or if the unit runs for less than 15 minutes at a time. Short-cycling like this wastes energy and fails to properly dehumidify your home, which can be a sign that the unit is too large for the space.

Cause #4: Issue With The HVAC Air Filter

Air filters prevent dust, dirt, debris, and other particles from entering your unit and compromising air quality. However, old or dirty air filters can obstruct airflow, impeding the system’s efficiency and forcing it to run incessantly. Even if the air filter appears clean or has been recently replaced, it’s possible that it needs to be a different type for your unit. Using the wrong filter can be too restrictive, causing the system to overwork and continuously operate.

Don’t let a broken air conditioner disrupt your comfort. Contact Tevis Energy for prompt and thorough repairs by certified HVAC professionals.

Explore Our Air Conditioning Services Call Tevis Energy Today: (410) 876-6800

Cause #5: Frozen or Dirty Air Conditioner Condenser Coils

Air conditioner condenser coils are prone to accumulating dust, dirt, and debris, severely affecting the unit’s performance. Additionally, these coils can freeze if there’s an excess of refrigerant in the system, if the lines become blocked, or when outdoor temperatures drop significantly. Both scenarios—whether from dirt buildup or freezing—can cause the air conditioner to continue running without cycling off.

Call To Schedule An Appointment

Cause #6: Excessive Hot Air Infiltration

When excessive warm air enters your home while the cooled air escapes, your air conditioning unit must operate continuously to offset this thermal loss. In such cases, the problem might not lie with the air conditioner but the home’s structure. Small holes, cracks, gaps around doors and windows, and inadequate insulation in the attic or throughout the house can be the primary reasons for this inefficiency.

Cause #7: Incorrectly Sized Air Conditioning Unit

Attempting to cool a large home with an undersized air conditioner is bound to be ineffective. Such a unit will continually run, striving to achieve the set indoor temperature, yet it will consistently fail. This issue should primarily be considered if the air conditioning unit is new but persistently needs to be turned on. If the unit had been inadequately sized from the start, the problem would likely have been evident much earlier.

Cause #8: Insufficient Air Conditioner Coolant

Coolant, also known as refrigerant, is the substance that circulates through your air conditioner to reduce the temperature of the air. While an excess of this coolant can lead to freezing issues within the unit, a deficiency can cause the system to overexert itself. This imbalance necessitates the air conditioning unit to work harder and longer to achieve the desired cooling effect, often failing.

Keep your home cooling system at peak performance all year round with routine care and maintenance from the skilled team at Tevis Energy. Schedule your appointment today!

Call Now To Make An Appointment

Cause #9: Issues with HVAC Ductwork

In many older homes, one reason an air conditioning unit may run incessantly is problems with the ductwork. As ducts age, they may deteriorate, disintegrate, or even collapse, potentially causing blockages that severely restrict airflow and compel the air conditioner to overwork. Even relatively new ductwork can develop issues like leaks, which allow cooled air to escape before it reaches the intended rooms. Ductwork with proper insulation can prevent the air from warming up prematurely, hindering efficient cooling throughout the home.

When to Call a Professional HVAC Contractor

Continuously overworking your air conditioning unit can lead to a complete system breakdown, often more costly to repair than the initial issue. Typically, an air conditioner that doesn’t shut off indicates a problem that requires accurate diagnosis and effective resolution by a qualified HVAC professional.

Conclusion

A continuously running air conditioner fan indicates an underlying issue, such as a damaged fan, malfunctioning thermostat, dirty filters, or improper settings. Ignoring these telling signs can lead to higher energy bills and potential breakdowns. Prompt attention is crucial. For expert diagnosis and solutions, trust Tevis Energy’s certified HVAC professionals. Schedule your service appointment today to ensure your air conditioning system operates efficiently all summer.

Tevis Energy’s sister company, Modern Comfort, performs HVAC installations, heating and cooling replacements, HVAC repairs, tune-ups, and more. Our technicians can provide you with expert HVAC services to ensure that your system provides you with the comfort and efficiency you deserve. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Get Started - Call Tevis Energy Today

Call Tevis Energy for All Your HVAC Requirements

Tevis Energy is the leading provider of heating and cooling services in central Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Our highly trained and professionally certified technicians are experts in HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. We are committed to delivering excellent quality services to all our clients.

At Tevis Energy, we understand the importance of maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home. That’s why we offer competitive pricing for our comprehensive services. Our maintenance services are created to enhance your comfort while minimizing energy costs. If you need an HVAC repair or are considering a system replacement, our knowledgeable technicians are here to guide you to the best solutions while considering your budget. We stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.

Call us to schedule a service appointment or receive a free, in-home estimate. Trust Tevis Energy to provide exceptional heating and cooling services that exceed your expectations!

Related Articles:

• How New Air Conditioners Are Redefining Energy Efficiency
• Addressing Air Conditioner Smells: Causes & Remedies
• Recognizing the Risks Associated with Operating an Outdated Air Conditioner
• Crack the Code: Unveiling 10 Reasons Your AC Isn’t Blowing Cold
• Discover the Efficiency: The Mechanics Behind Ductless Air Conditioning