If you have questions, like “Why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner?” it’s time to get to the bottom of the issue. An air conditioner fan should never run constantly unless you manually switch it to this setting.
However, if you do not have your thermostat’s fan set to “on” and your air conditioner fan is still running, you may be experiencing a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. Since AC units comprise many different components, it’s important that you have licensed and trained experts to complete your AC repair in Tulsa. This way, you can find the source of your running fan and perform various maintenance checks.
In the meantime, consider these common reasons why your air conditioner fan may be running from the professionals at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing.
What Is the Function of the AC?
The AC fan works to actively circulate air through the ventilation system surrounding your home. More specifically, it takes warm outside air and pushes it into the condenser, where refrigerant cools off the air. Then, the air re-circulates through the system, forcing cold air into your space.
Steps You Can Take Before Calling in Professionals
If your fan continues running, there are some steps you should take before expert HVAC technicians come to inspect your blower fan.
The first step is to ensure your fan setting is on “auto” and not switched to “on” mode. When you switch the blower fan to “on” mode, the fan runs even after the thermostat settings hit the correct temperature.
The second step is to turn your AC off and then turn it back on. This troubleshooting step sometimes shortly resets the system, fixing the problem.
Finally, do a quick check for any leaks near the outside unit. This way, you can alert the technician before they arrive.
Common Reasons Your Fan May Keep Running
Once you’ve gone through the previous troubleshooting steps, you may still be left wondering, “Why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner?” Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons your AC fan may constantly run in the summer months. The good news is that experienced HVAC technicians can find the reason and complete the repair for efficient air conditioning all season.
Clogged Air Filters
Air filters help to remove dust, debris, and allergens from the air, so they don’t circulate throughout your home. If the filter is dirty, air can’t flow through the system correctly, forcing the air conditioning unit to cycle more often than necessary. When this occurs, the unit’s fan will run on a never-ending cycle.
If your home’s AC filter is dirty, you can change it yourself with the correct size filter or leave it to an experienced HVAC pro who can change it for you, guaranteeing the right size and installation process.
Ductwork Problems
Another reason you experience a running AC fan is if your ductwork has minor or major leaks. Since the ductwork carries the cool air throughout the home, it needs to be in great shape to effectively carry the same temperature air.
However, if you have poorly insulated ductwork, then by the time your air travels throughout the home, it’s warmer than it should be. In extreme temperatures, this cool air can turn into warm air within seconds. If this warm air circulates throughout your home, it’s likely the current temperature won’t get lower, causing your AC unit, and blower fan, to run more than usual.
Low Coolant in Unit
Refrigerant is a cooling agent that, when used with other parts of the AC system, effectively cools down warm air. If your unit is low on refrigerant, it won’t be able to cool off the warm air, forcing the AC fan to run more often.
If you notice warm air pushing through your vents, this may indicate low coolant levels. Most often, refrigerant leaks from an AC coil. Always have a professional HVAC technician handle any problems with refrigerants because leaks can create hazardous conditions.
Small AC Unit
A commonly overlooked reason your AC fan may be running is that your unit isn’t big enough to cool off your home. If your current AC unit is too small, it won’t cool off the home effectively, causing the fan to run all day long. If your unit is too big, you may spend more on utility bills and create excessive humidity.
Damages to Fan
Every air conditioner experiences wear and tear. AC fans sometimes experience damage due to build-up and debris on the fan’s motor. If there’s too much build-up, the fan may break and crack, resulting in the unit working harder and more often to cool off the home.
Frozen or Dirty Condenser Coils
Just like dust and debris can accumulate on the AC fan, the same thing can occur to AC coils and the outside unit.
In addition to debris build-up, the coils inside your AC unit can also freeze. This occurs when temperatures drop, lines become blocked, or refrigerant leaks. Whatever the case, it’s critical to have a trained team inspect the coils, so your AC fan and unit won’t work harder than required.
Broken Thermostats
The final reason your AC fan could be running more than usual is due to a broken thermostat. If your current thermostat is malfunctioning, it may be reading the wrong indoor temperature. If this occurs, the AC will run more often to cool down the home, even if the current room temperature is correct.
Hire Expert Heating and Cooling Technicians
Never leave your air conditioner inspections and repairs up to amateurs. Instead, opt for professionals that provide the ideal experience and long-lasting fixes, like those at Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. Their team offers thorough reports and repairs for common HVAC cooling system problems.
Instead of wondering, “Why does the fan keep running on my air conditioner?” trust dedicated and knowledgeable experts to inspect your AC blower fan for the answers you deserve. Call Quality Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today at (918) 212-0122 for high-quality AC repair services!