What To Do If Your AC Won’t Turn Off: Troubleshooting Guide

Air conditioners are an essential asset of every home, especially during the warm summer months. Your AC system works by cooling the air in your home in recurrent cycles rather than constantly staying on. 

One of the most common issues that homeowners experience is a constantly running AC unit. This issue not only increases your energy bills but prevents your air conditioner from effectively cooling your home. 

When you have an AC running but not cooling , it may be time to contact a local technician. When your AC won’t turn off, follow this troubleshooting guide to determine the cause of the problem. 

Reasons Why Your AC Unit Keeps Running

Various factors could cause your AC to keep running, such as:

• Malfunctioning relay switch
• The weather outside is too hot
• Circuit board issues
• AC fan is set to ON, not AUTO
• Broken thermostat 

Check the Fan Switch

An AC unit’s fan can function automatically or by the demands of the thermostat. The fan limit switch located by the blower provides a manual override option that keeps the fan running regardless of the thermostat requirements. 

A constantly running fan means your AC unit won’t turn off. You should switch the fan limit switch to AUTO rather than ON so that it knows to turn off periodically. 

Homeowners often flip this switch accidentally. If your AC is constantly running, fixing it could be as simple as flipping the fan limit switch back to AUTO. 

Consider the Temperature Outside

How hot the weather is outside can affect the efficiency of your air conditioner. When it is especially warm outside, homeowners will typically set their thermostats at a lower temperature. Doing this means that your AC will work harder to reach the desired room temperature. 

If your AC unit has to run constantly to meet the demands of your thermostat, it is most likely too small for your house. Larger homes need larger AC units to cool the inside air effectively. 

To check if this is the issue, increase the set temperature on your thermostat by five to ten degrees. If the unit shuts down, it is probably too small for the size of your home. 

Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this issue is to replace your AC system with a larger one. Contacting a local technician can help you determine which style and size fit the specific demands of your home. 

Check the Relay Switch

The relay switches operate by opening and closing the electrical circuits in your AC. As your air conditioner ages, these switches become less effective and more prone to damage. 

A faulty relay switch prevents the fan in your AC system from being able to meet thermostat demands. In these situations, the fan will often continue to run even after shutting off the unit. 

Fixing a relay switch is a job for the professionals. If you suspect that your AC won’t turn off because of a malfunctioning relay switch, call a local technician as soon as possible. 

Check for a Short Circuit

A short circuit in the AC unit is another common problem that keeps your unit constantly running. When this happens, the air conditioner is unable to reach the desired temperature of your thermostat. 

Since your AC system doesn’t know what temperature to reach, it will continue to run. To check if a short circuit is the culprit, shut off the thermostat. If your AC continues to run, you most likely have a short circuit. 

Due to the electrical components of your AC unit, fixing a short circuit requires professional services. Call a local HVAC technician to schedule a repair when a short circuit is causing your AC to run continuously. 

Check the Thermostat

If your AC won’t turn off, it is not necessarily a problem with the unit. A broken thermostat will often cause your AC unit to keep running. 

A common indication of a faulty thermostat is if the indoor temperature is lower than what you set your thermostat. This difference shows that the thermostat cannot read the room’s actual temperature correctly, leading to a constantly running AC system. 

Fixing thermostat issues typically means getting a new thermostat. Contacting a local technician will help ensure proper installation so that your AC unit continues to work effectively. 

Check the Condenser

The condenser coils in your AC unit remove heat from the air to keep your home cool. Another common problem with air conditioners is having a dirty set of coils. 

Dirty coils prevent your AC system from producing fresh, cool air. Dust and debris on the condenser coils force the unit to work harder to achieve the desired room temperature. 

Thankfully, this is easy to fix. Simply check the condenser coils, look for dust, and then use a cloth to wipe away debris. Make sure that the coils and filters are clean before retesting the unit. 

Practice Regular Maintenance

The easiest and least expensive way to prevent air conditioning problems is regular maintenance. Cleaning the unit and checking for electrical malfunctions is a simple way to avoid issues while identifying any potential problems. 

Minor issues can quickly escalate into more significant problems when ignored. Regular maintenance lets you identify and address any small issues before they turn into something more severe. 

Whether you regularly clean the unit yourself or hire a professional, regular maintenance will protect your AC system keep your home cool. 

AC Services in Chicago, IL

When you experience issues with your AC system, it is best to let an experienced technician address the problem. AC repair by A Custom Services in Chicago will restore your unit and prevent the need for future expenses. 

Our technicians know the importance of having a working AC system in your home. That’s why we use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to provide unmatched services to our customers. 

When your AC won’t turn off, let A Custom Services in Chicago, IL, help. Call us at  773-819-6284 to schedule a repair or maintenance service.