When summer temperatures in Ohio climb into the upper 80s and 90s Fahrenheit, you’ll notice your air conditioning system running longer cycles. Often, this is normal during periods of extreme heat and humidity, as your air conditioner works to maintain your desired temperature setting. However, there are times when nonstop operation can indicate an underlying problem. Knowing the difference between normal performance and a system malfunction can help you avoid system breakdowns, reduced indoor comfort, and excessive energy costs.
When Are Longer Runtimes Normal?
It’s fairly common for your air conditioner to run longer cycles on exceptionally hot days. Longer cycles help your system maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, operate more efficiently, and remove excess humidity. You’re likely to notice excessive runtimes in the afternoon when the temperature and humidity levels in Ohio are high.
Most residential air conditioning systems are designed to create a temperature difference of 15 to 20 degrees between the inside and outside of your home. This holds true as long as the system is properly sized and well maintained. During extreme heat waves, it’s normal for your air conditioner to struggle and run longer cycles if the temperature difference is greater than 20 degrees.
Restricted Airflow Could Be to Blame
One of the most common causes of excessive AC running is dirty filters. The air filter inside your system is designed to catch pet hair, pollen, dust, and other airborne debris. However, when the fibers of the filter get so clogged with these airborne particles, it can act more like a wall. This causes your air conditioning system to run harder to force air through your dirty filter. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix: Just swap it for a new filter. You need to check your filter every month and replace it whenever you can’t see through it.
Low Refrigerant Could Reduce Cooling Performance
For your air conditioning system to run properly, it needs an adequate charge of refrigerant. Refrigerant is a substance inside your evaporator coil that’s responsible for absorbing heat and transporting it to the outside of your home. If your refrigerant line or coil leaks, the gaseous refrigerant can seep out. This significantly reduces the cooling capacity of your air conditioner.
You may notice warm air coming from your vents, ice forming on your refrigerant lines, or overall poor cooling performance. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, consult a professional HVAC technician. Our technician will identify the source of the leak, repair it, and recharge your refrigerant level. This will restore full cooling capacity to your air conditioner.
Dirty Coils Could Be Your Problem
For your air conditioning system to absorb heat and release it outdoors, it uses refrigerant alongside your evaporator and condenser coils. Unfortunately, if the surface of those coils is covered with grime and other debris, it acts more like a barrier that restricts heat transfer in and out. This significantly reduces the ability of your air conditioning system to cool your home. Getting routine maintenance and signing up for our Comfort Club membership plan can ensure timely maintenance, which can prevent dirty coils.
Signs That It’s Time to Call an HVAC Professional
While longer cooling cycles are common during extreme Ohio heat, there are some warning signs that indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. If you notice that the temperature in your home never reaches your thermostat setting, or there’s warm air coming from your vents, you need professional AC repair.
If your system is running continuously even during mild summer conditions, or your energy bills seem to suddenly increase, you have an AC malfunction. Unusual noises, odd odors, or rooms cooling unevenly all require a professional evaluation. These symptoms signal that your AC isn’t summer ready. It’s best to get a professional evaluation sooner rather than later, as waiting could lead to more internal damage and system inefficiency.
Schedule Professional AC Repair Today
As a homeowner, getting routine AC maintenance, keeping up with cleaning your condenser unit, and replacing your AC filter are musts. If your system is still experiencing excessively long run times, or it never meets your desired temperature setting, it’s important to seek professional assistance.
Contact Comfort Control now to schedule professional AC repair service in North Central Ohio.
