When your AC runs all day during a Los Angeles heat wave, it doesn\u2019t automatically mean something is wrong. Air conditioners are built to run longer when outdoor temperatures climb. But there\u2019s a difference between a long cooling cycle and a system that isn’t able to cool down your home. If your AC runs from morning to night, it\u2019s worth finding out why. Our team at JMS Air Conditioning and Heating has worked on HVAC systems throughout Los Angeles since 1993. Here’s what matters and how to tell whether or not your AC is falling behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
It’s normal for AC units to run all day on an extremely hot day, and a properly sized unit could run for long stretches to reach the temperature you set. The bigger issue is whether or not your system is actually keeping up. If your thermostat stays several degrees above the setting, your rooms feel uneven, or the AC keeps running even during cooler evening hours, something could be reducing the cooling performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thermostat could be the reason your AC is running nonstop. But it’s not necessarily because it’s broken. Your thermostat could be in direct sunlight, near a hot kitchen, or close to an exterior door, causing it to register a warmer temperature than the rest of the house. Make sure the fan is set to “auto.” The “on” setting could cause the blower to run between cooling cycles and make it seem like the AC never shuts off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start your AC check with a few easy steps, including checking for a dirty filter. A clogged AC filter quickly restricts airflow and makes the system work longer than ever. Closed or blocked off vents can create similar problems. There are some issues that need professional intervention, like a refrigerant leak, a weak capacitor, a failing blower motor, duct leaks, or an incorrectly sized system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An AC that runs all day can increase wear on your components. The blower motor, compressor, capacitor, and other electrical parts all spend more time under a high operational load. That doesn\u2019t mean one hot week will ruin your AC. The real issue is a unit that works nonstop because of an unresolved problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Check your thermostat setting, replace a dirty filter, make sure supply vents are open, and look outside for leaves or debris crowding the condenser. Don\u2019t open up panels or try to diagnose electrical or refrigerant problems yourself. You could make the problem worse or void your warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the AC still runs constantly, schedule an appointment with our team. Our technicians can check for airflow problems, worn parts, dirty components, and other issues before they lead to a breakdown. We offer a maintenance program that includes two maintenance checks per year, standard filter changes, annual condenser coil cleaning, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n