June marks the beginning of Virginia’s hot, humid summer season. As temperatures rise in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, many homeowners notice their air conditioners running constantly. While it’s normal for your AC to work harder on the hottest days, running nonstop can point to underlying issues that waste energy, drive up utility bills, and shorten your system’s lifespan.
If your AC won’t take a break, here are some of the most common reasons why — and what you can do to fix them.
Air filters are your first line of defense against dust and debris. When they’re clogged, airflow is restricted, forcing your system to run longer to reach the thermostat setting. This not only makes your AC run nonstop but can also lead to frozen coils and costly repairs.
What to do: Replace filters every 1–3 months during cooling season for smooth, efficient operation.
Refrigerant is essential for absorbing heat from your home and releasing it outside. If your system is low on refrigerant — usually due to a leak — it won’t be able to cool effectively. Instead, the AC will run endlessly, trying (and failing) to bring down the temperature.
What to do: Only a licensed HVAC technician can safely diagnose and recharge refrigerant. Call for service if you notice warm air, hissing sounds, or ice buildup on the lines.
Your AC has two important sets of coils: the evaporator coil indoors and the condenser coil outside. If either is dirty or blocked, heat transfer slows down dramatically. Your system then compensates by running constantly, wasting energy while struggling to cool your home.
What to do: Keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, grass, and debris. Schedule professional coil cleaning during annual maintenance.
Sometimes the issue isn’t the AC at all — it’s the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat may misread indoor temperatures, signaling the system to keep running. Poor placement (like near a window or in direct sunlight) can also throw off readings.
What to do: Test your thermostat by adjusting the temperature a few degrees. If the AC doesn’t respond, consider recalibrating or upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat.
Cool air can escape through leaks in your ductwork, forcing your AC to run longer to compensate. In older homes or systems without proper insulation, duct leaks are a major source of inefficiency.
What to do: Have your ductwork inspected and sealed by professionals. This can improve efficiency by up to 20%.
Sometimes, the weather itself is the cause. On extremely hot or humid days, it’s normal for your system to run more often. However, if your AC never cycles off even during milder evenings, there’s likely a problem worth addressing.
What to do: Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air and set your thermostat a few degrees higher to reduce demand. If nonstop operation continues, schedule a diagnostic check.
A constantly running AC doesn’t just drive up energy bills — it puts serious strain on your system. Over time, this leads to more frequent repairs, reduced comfort, and a shorter system lifespan.
If your AC is running nonstop this June, don’t wait until it breaks down in the middle of a heat wave. Loving Air Inc. provides expert diagnostics and repairs for homeowners in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. We’ll pinpoint the cause, restore efficiency, and keep your home comfortable all summer long.
Call Loving Air today to schedule a system inspection and stop your AC from running around the clock.