Here’s Why Your AC Won’t Turn Off

ac won't turn off

JC Heating & Cooling has over 20 years of industry experience and can repair any air conditioning problem you happen to be experiencing. Call us to learn more!

Your air conditioner should cycle off and on throughout the day to reach the set temperature. That’s why when your AC won’t turn off, you could end up with sky-high electric bills and a home that never feels cool enough. 

This post will discuss a few reasons why your air conditioner might not work as it should, with troubleshooting tips to improve airflow. Of course, if you want to keep your HVAC unit working all year long, you could schedule service from the best AC repair in Hinsdale, IL

Checking For Thermostat Problems Should Always Be Your First Stop

What’s the first thing to do when your AC won’t turn off? Check the thermostat. 

Like any other part of your air conditioning unit, the thermostat can sustain damage. If your thermostat is more than 10 years old, a cooling expert may need to replace it. The wiring inside a thermostat can loosen or tear, which will prevent your air conditioner from cooling to your preferred temperature setting.

Is your thermostat in good condition? Check the settings. A fan set to “on” will blow continuously, even when the air conditioner isn’t running a cooling cycle.

A Dirty Air Filter Requires a Simple Fix

As soon as you notice cooling system issues, consider when you last changed the air filter. Filters capture dust, pollen, and other pollutants to provide cleaner air. If the filter clogs, this air can’t flow through it as easily, and your air conditioner will struggle to work efficiently.

To fix the problem, just change the disposable filter (or clean a reusable filter).

Component-based Problems Can Become Complex

The three components below will commonly cause trouble in an air conditioner. 

Grimy Condenser Coils

Understanding how an air conditioner works quickly reveals why sparkling clean components are so important. Issues like a dirty air filter and grimy condenser coils go hand-in-hand. When the air filter is caked with dust and dirt, the condenser coils form a thick layer of grime in just a few weeks. 

Since the condenser coils play a huge role in cooling your home, it’s important to ensure they’re clean so that your AC unit won’t stop working completely. Running it inefficiently will only put strain on the components.

Damaged Electrical Components

Your air conditioner relies on a complex electrical system for accurate temperature control. If the air conditioner malfunction involves the electrical system, your unit may run continuously or not at all. A professional HVAC technician can help.

Defective Limit Switch

The limit switch signals to the fan motor to switch off when your home reaches the set temperature. A defective limit switch cannot communicate with the fan, and your AC won’t turn off when it should. Pressing the reset button may stop the fan from blowing, but that’s only a temporary solution.

HVAC Troubleshooting With Experienced Heating and Cooling Professionals

When your AC unit won’t stop running, there are a few things you can try to reduce the burden.

Adjust the Temperature

If you hate summer heat, you probably catch yourself lowering the thermostat every time you walk by. However, if the temperature on the thermostat is lower than the room temperature, your air conditioner will continue to run. Raising the temperature by a few degrees might help.

Change the Batteries

If your air conditioner’s remote batteries are flat, the signal it sends to your air conditioner is weak. Changing the batteries could be all you need to sort out the continuous cooling cycle.

Clear Blocked Airflow

Anything that restricts airflow within your air conditioning unit will hamper its performance. Start by changing the air filter, then inspect the condenser unit outside and clean off fallen leaves or other debris blocking the fan. 

Next, ensure that all of the vents inside your home are open. Many people try to save money by closing vents in certain rooms they don’t use very often. However, restricting the airflow means your unit won’t run properly and will use more energy to cool your home, which will only increase your monthly costs. 

Remove Dirt From the Blower Fan

If it’s been a while since you cleaned the blower fan (or you’ve never cleaned it before), that inevitable layer of grime will make it impossible for your air conditioner to work as intended. 

Here is an easy guide for cleaning the blower fan:

  • Disconnect your air conditioner from the power source.
  • Open the panel to access the blower fan.
  • Loosen any screws holding the cover on the blower fan.
  • Using a soft cloth or brush, carefully clean away all visible dirt.
  • Gently vacuum the inside of the unit to collect fallen dirt and dust.
  • Replace any screws and close the access panel.

Contact a Cooling Professional

What’s the best way to figure out why your AC won’t turn off? Call a professional HVAC technician. They have the tools and industry training to figure out the problem and complete any repairs. 

There’s a reason that experts recommend regular maintenance—it ensures your air conditioner doesn’t have any damaged parts or excess dirt inside the unit. That’s why maintenance is so crucial to your unit’s performance and why neglecting these sessions ends up costing far more in repairs and early replacements.

Avoid Air Conditioner Problems—Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance Today!

It’s easy to remedy air conditioner problems before they start: schedule annual maintenance. During the service call, qualified technicians like JC Heating & Cooling will do the following and more:

  • Inspect the entire unit
  • Replace parts worn from normal use
  • Thoroughly clean your unit
  • Inspect the ductwork for leaks or damages.

Air conditioner sensor problems and many other issues could be the reason your AC won’t turn off. If you’d like to be sure, lower your cooling bills, and enjoy hassle-free climate control again, schedule JC Heating & Cooling’s services in Hillsdale and the surrounding areas. Call 708-505-7983 today or submit your contact information through our online form.