Is it Normal for My Air Conditioner to Run All Day?

In the hot summer months, the only solution we can find to keep our living spaces comfortable and cool is an air conditioner. It is not a secret that air conditioners are responsible for approx. 30% of an average house’s monthly energy bills. Yes, cooling costs and it does even more if your air conditioner is not performing efficiently. 

If you are noticing higher than usual energy bills, your thermostat temperature is never reached, and your house is not as cool as it should be, even with the air conditioner running all day long - you have a serious problem in your hands. 

Long story short, it is NOT normal for your air conditioner to constantly run all day. If that is what is happening, it is causing you a lot of money. Below you will see some of the reasons that are causing your air conditioning unit to work inefficiently. Check them out… 

Air Conditioners are not One-Size-Fits-All

Understandably, there is a certain AC unit size you need to use for various spaces. It is important to know how to select the proper A/C unit in order to efficiently cool your home. An air conditioning unit is measured by its capacity to remove British Thermal Units (BTU) in tons. A one-ton unit, for example, can remove 12.000 BTU, a 2-ton unit 24.000 BTU, and so on. 

Based on the square footage of your home, you can get a ballpark estimate of the unit size your living or working space may necessitate. 

For example, a 2000 square foot space may require a 2.0 - 2.5 ton A/C unit. You can roughly estimate a one-ton A/C unit as suitable per 750-1000 square feet. 

You can follow this guideline, or consult with your A/C retailer prior to making a purchasing decision. 

Signs this is the problem:

• Your air conditioner is brand new

• Frozen evaporator coil 

• Your home does not reach thermostat temperature

Your A/C Unit is Not Being Maintained Regularly

If your current air conditioner is not cooling properly, (and it is the right size) it probably may have maintenance problems. As with everything, A/C units also tend to deteriorate with the passing of time. But with little maintenance, you can increase the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. 

You can start by swapping out the filters on your A/C unit at least every 90 days (or even more frequently depending on the usage). 

If not handled, you will end up spending more money on the repair and energy bills. See, a dirty filter can add from 5 up to 15% to your monthly energy bills and it might as well reduce the lifespan of the air conditioning unit. It paves the way for poor airflow or freezing up of the evaporator coil. Keep in mind that the filter replacement cost is minimal compared with the price of replacing the coil or buying a new air conditioner. 

Signs this is the problem:

• Dirt on the evaporator coil is visual

• Comparable symptoms of low refrigerant

The Air Flow in your A/C is Restricted

If your air conditioner is constantly running all day it might also be due to restricted or reduced airflow. There are several reasons that might cause this issue and most probably is due to something blocking the blower from supplying the cool air your living or working space wants. What you can do as a homeowner is to change the air filter if it is dirty, open all of the supply vents, identify if your ducts are leaking, and ensure no return grilles are being blocked by curtains, furniture, or drapes. 

Signs this is the problem:

• The evaporator coil is frozen

• Bad blower motor

• Vents are blocked or closed

• The air filter is dirty

Insufficient Insulation In Your Home

Last but not least, you might be experiencing an insufficient amount of insulation in your living or working space. Insulation is necessary as it creates an efficient air barrier that keeps the warm air out in the summer and the cold air inside; and vice versa in the winter months. Eventually, your air conditioner does not have to repeatedly cool the air as it remains inside your building walls. 

However, there are several reasons that might cause your insulation system not to act properly and allow air leakages on the walls. A small but significant mistake might have been done during the installation process, or an animal might have compromised the insulation layer, or your insulation system is old and it is time for an entirely new one. Either way, if you spot one of these signs below, it is time to ask for professional assistance from experienced insulation contractors. Simply let us know when you are ready to get started!

Signs this is the problem:

• Higher than usual energy bills

• Pest & animal infestations

• Mold growing on your home walls

• Sporadic temperature fluctuations

Bonus Section - 6 Air Conditioning Practices to Follow 

• Follow the necessary AC maintenance operations annually.

• Adjust the thermostat before leaving the house or opt for a programmable thermostat.

• Change or clean your AC filters regularly.

• Do not set your thermostat too low.

• Properly position your thermostat and/or vents.

• And do not forget to stop cooling empty rooms.

Why EcoStar?

EcoStar Insulation Company is proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and the suburban communities with professional insulation services since 2008. Over the years, we have established ourselves as experts in energy-saving solutions for residential and commercial insulation. From insulation removal to attic insulation and everything in between, we are committed to providing the highest quality service for every customer. Peak season or slow season, big project or small - our team of professionals is happy to help you with top-notch insulation services. Contact us today and get a free estimate.