what do you do when your air conditioner wont turn off

How to Fix an Air Conditioner that Won’t Turn Off

• 1. Change the Thermostat Settings Make sure the thermostat is appropriately set to stop air conditioner operation. ...
• 2. Change Air Filter Inspect your air filter and replace it if it is covered in pollutants. ...
• 3. Clean the Condenser Unit Air flow restrictions also start outside, caused by clogged condenser units. ...
• 4. Open Room Vents ...
• 5. Clean the Blower Motor Fan ...

Full Answer

What happens if the air conditioner never turns off?

When your air conditioning system keeps running and never seems to shut off, the problem could be linked to a number of malfunctioning components – frozen evaporator coils, a clogged air filter, a bad electrical relay switch that needs to be replaced, the fan blowing constantly, dirty condenser coils, a bad thermostat, or other problem with your HVAC system.

Why is your air conditioner not turning on?

• Your evaporator or condenser is dirty. If this appliance shuts off repeatedly and/or inadequately cools your home, your evaporator is dirty. ...
• The weather is too hot. You can't function when the weather is more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and neither can your air conditioner. ...
• There’s a faulty part. ...

Why does my air conditioner not turn on?

Why is My Air Conditioner Fan Not Working?

• Reasons the Central Air Conditioner Fan Is Not Working. ...
• Check Your Thermostat. ...
• Circuit Breaker is Tripped. ...
• Air Filter is Blocked. ...
• Broken Fan Blade. ...
• Burnt Out Condenser Fan Motor. ...
• Frozen Evaporator Coil. ...
• Compressor is Not Working. ...
• Malfunctioning Run Capacitor. ...

When should you turn on your air conditioner?

When Is The Best Time To Turn ‘ON’ Your Air Conditioner

• Shortcuts:
• Keep the AC turned ‘ON’. According to Jennifer Thorne, a program director at the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEE), it’s more economical to leave your AC turned ‘ON’ during ...
• Upgrade the AC thermostat. ...
• Leverage ceiling fans. ...
• Control room temperature. ...
• Maintain cleanliness of your AC. ...

What to do if AC keeps running?

Cleaning the debris that builds up on your filters will aid with the flow of air. Clean or replace your filters once a month or as recommended by the manufacturer. Without enough air flowing over the coils, the system can't remove humidity and cool the air to the set temperature, so it keeps running when it shouldn't.

Why is AC still running when turned off?

Temperature Control Stuck dials (relay switch) might be the reason why your air conditioner keeps running when turned off. This is usually the case for air conditioners with rotary dial thermostats. Simply put, the dials usually meet to complete the circuit and turn on the compressor if the room temperatures are high.

Why is my outside AC unit not turning off?

This can be caused by a weed-whacker hitting the wire outside, or a wire-staple digging into the wire too tightly, rodents chewing on it, or just bad wire. Lastly, the thermostat itself could be bad, sending a signal to the outdoor unit when it isn't supposed to. Below is a list of possible causes.

How do you manually turn off an air conditioner?

Turn off the air conditioner The way to do this is to find the air conditioner's breaker switch outside; it's usually located under a flip-up lid near the condenser unit. Open the lid and turn the switch to “off.”

Why is my outside unit constantly running?

One of the most common reasons an outside AC unit runs constantly is due to limited airflow that prevents a house from cooling. How long should air conditioner run to cool house? Typically, your air conditioner should start decreasing the temperature within 10 minutes.

Should I turn off my AC if it is not cooling?

If your ac is still not cooling there is one more thing you need to do. This is very important.... TURN IT OFF and call your HVAC service provider to assist you. We always tell our customers to turn off an ac that is not cooling properly.

Is there a reset button on outside AC unit?

Some air conditioning systems have a reset switch, which is a small, red button. Typically, the button will be on the outdoor unit. If you have a problem locating it on the outdoor unit, you may find relevant details on the equipment's manufacturer's manual. Press the red button for three seconds and release.

How long can AC run continuously?

An air conditioner is a device that is designed to maintain a set room temperature all day long. There is no such thing as the appliance will melt, or get damaged if run continuously for 24 hours. In fact, you can run your AC constantly for an entire week.

Why is my thermostat not turning off?

One of the most common issues is the thermostat. The wiring, switches, or heating sensors can fail on your unit. If this is the case, then you'll need to replace the thermostat with a newer model. A damaged primary controller can also cause the furnace to stay turned on.

How do I turn off my air conditioner?

6 Easy Steps To Shut Down Your AC Unit For WinterTurn off cooling mode on your thermostat. ... Turn off power to the Air Conditioner-Find the air conditioning circuit near the AC and turn the switch off. ... Replace the air filter. ... Wash the outdoor condenser. ... Inspect the condenser and pipes.More items...

How do I reset my thermostat?

Reset the Thermostat Common methods for resetting a thermostat include installing the battery backward for five seconds, pushing a recessed reset button with a pin or paper clip, or shutting off the breaker to the thermostat for 30 seconds.

How do you turn off AC power?

0:011:18How to turn off your heating and cooling equipment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTurn off the breaker labeled for your HVAC equipment. If your breakers are not labeled you may needMoreTurn off the breaker labeled for your HVAC equipment. If your breakers are not labeled you may need to test to identify the corresponding. Areas affected in your home.

How long should fan run after AC shuts off?

About 60 seconds in heat mode should do it. Residual heat will rise up anyway, if the unit is in the basement. Running the blower at full speed after the compressor stops, can raise your indoor humidity levels. 30 seconds is probably OK, but after than, you'll start ot reevaporate water.

How do you fix a stuck AC relay?

How To Fix A Stuck Relay On Your AC UnitClean the relay. If the relay contacts get dirty, they can get stuck. ... Replace the relay. If cleaning the relay didn't work or you notice a damaged thermostat wire, you may need to replace the entire component.

How to fix an air conditioner that won't turn off?

1. Change the Thermostat Settings. Make sure the thermostat is appropriately set to stop air conditioner operation.

Why Won’t My Air Conditioner Shut Off?

If your air conditioner won’t shut off, an issue in one of the following categories is likely the cause behind the conditions you are experiencing.

Why does my air conditioner blower fan only run during the day?

Normally, a blower fan only runs during a cooling cycle to circulate cool air from room to room. When the fan is left on all hours of the day, it’s possible for a homeowner to mistake its operation with the actual cooling unit and think that the air conditioner won’t shut off.

How long does a thermostat last?

A thermostat has a useful life of around 10 years. As time goes on, dirt can collect on temperature sensors, causing the thermostat to misread room temperature – as such, the thermostat may leave your air conditioner running after it should have ended a cooling cycle.

What happens when you close the vents in your home?

If vents in your home are closed, open the supply vents in every room. This allows the air conditioner to deliver the proper amount of cooling for the entire home, and no air backs up in the duct system where pressure can impact comfort and temperature balance.

Why does my air conditioner keep going on?

Inside the condenser unit and indoor equipment, there are a number of electrical components and connections that can malfunction, causing an air conditioner to remain on. A relay switch or capacitor stuck in a closed position continues to let the compressor or other vital components receive power.

Why does my air conditioner revolve at a lower speed?

Grime and dirty buildup on the blower’s fan blades can cause it to revolve at a lower speed, impacting the air conditioner’s cooling capabilities. Use these instructions to clean this important component:

What to do if your AC won't turn off?

If your air conditioner won’t turn off and you’re unable to fix the issue yourself, don’t wait to give us a call. A NATE-certified HVAC technician will diagnose the system issue and fix problem components or replace them right away.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Turning Off?

If your air conditioner doesn’t shut down as expected, the following issues may be present within your HVAC system.

How does an air conditioner cool?

To cool a home, hot air passes over the indoor evaporator coil and heat is extracted. Refrigerant travels through the lines, running to the outdoor unit. It is pressurized by the compressor before moving into the condenser coil, where heat is released. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on the condenser coil, limiting the coil’s ability to release heat from the refrigerant. If the condenser coils are too dirty, the air conditioner’s cooling power is limited so the system has to keep running in attempts to cool each room.

Why does condensation freeze on the surface of the evaporator coil?

System issues can prevent the evaporator coils from receiving enough heat, so condensation pulled from the air during the cooling process freezes on the surface of the coil. A layer of ice on the evaporator coils prevents refrigerant from absorbing heating energy in the air.

Why is my evaporator coil frozen?

Frozen evaporator coils result from an excess of dirt buildup on the coil, a lack of air flow due to a dirty air filter or blocked room vents, or low refrigerant. Your evaporator coil may develop a heavy layer of ice if the condensate drip pan and drain line below are clogged, holding moisture within the system.

How to stop a blower fan from running continuously?

A dirty blower fan restricts the cooling system’s ability to circulate cool air, causing the system to run continuously in efforts to cool the home. Remove grime that is restricting fan operation following these steps: Turn off electrical power to the indoor unit. Remove the access panel to the blower compartment.

Why won't my air conditioner shut off?

A dirty filter prevents air movement through the system, causing a number of problems as well as making it so the air conditioner won’t shut off. When the air filter is clogged with pollutants, the air conditioner has to keep cycling to provide enough cooling for the home.

Why won't my air conditioner turn off?

However, if the contactor isn’t working fine then the air conditioner compressor won’t turn off. Even though the thermostat might turn off the compressor still keeps running. That happens because a heated contactor can lead to several issues. Such as the contactors sticking together or getting shut in a closed state.

Why won't my AC turn off?

Malfunctioning Thermostat. This is the most common reason why your AC won’t turn off at set temp . A thermostat is a crucial part of your air conditioning system. This controls the whole temperature element of the machine. A defective thermostat may be a cause that your ac isn’t turning off at a set temperature.

Why Air Conditioner Keeps Running When Turned Off?

Frankly, no one likes to pay the extra electricity bill. Also, a running air conditioner means a colder room temperature.

What does it mean when a compressor is not working?

Such as the contactors sticking together or getting shut in a closed state. This means it doesn’t work well and the compressor is still running. When the contactor can’t perform well it leads to malfunction in the condenser. The function of the contactor is to interrupt or disconnect power to the condenser.

What is the function of contactors in an air conditioner?

The function of the contactor is to interrupt or disconnect power to the condenser. So, failure to that keeps the condenser running hence the air conditioner keeps running as well. You might be wondering what kind of problematic wiring your ac might have all of a sudden.

How to avoid contactor issues?

To avoid contactor issues, you can simply buy a commercial-grade contactor. They are more expensive but they can prevent this problem from happening.

Why does my AC keep running?

When there is too much ice around the evaporator coil the ac can’t reach its temperature goal. This leads to an incomplete cooling cycle so your air conditioner keeps running. And having too much ice clumped up on that area means there is a refrigerant leak in the air conditioner.

Why does my air conditioner run continuously?

As debris builds up on the coils, the air conditioner will become less efficient, causing the air conditioner to work harder to cool down. If the coils are significantly dirty, the air conditioner will not be able to maintain the proper temperature, and the compressor will run continuously in an attempt to cool the room.

What is the main control board on an air conditioner?

The main control board provides voltage to all of the components of the air conditioner. If there is a problem with the control board, it might not stop providing power to the compressor. Before you replace the main control board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts.

How to tell if thermostat is defective?

If the thermostat is defective, it may cause the compressor to run continuously. To determine if the thermostat is defective, set the air conditioner to cooling and then use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity while the air conditioner is set to cooling, replac...

What does continuity mean on thermostat?

If the thermostat has continuity all the time, this indicates that it is shorted out and should be replaced. (Note: Some thermostats may also control a heater and, as a result, will have three... terminals. Refer to your air conditioner’s wiring diagram for more information.) Required Part.

What to do before replacing relay board?

Before you replace the relay board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts. If you are certain that all of the other components are working properly, replace the relay board. Required Part. Air Conditioner Relay Board. Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product.

Can a temperature control board stop a compressor?

If there is a problem with the control board, it might not stop providing power to the compressor. However, this is almost never the case. Before you replace the temperature control board, make sure you check more commonly defective parts.

Why won't my air conditioner shut off?

If your air conditioner doesn’t shut off even though the set temperature has been reached, and continues to blow cold air, you may have a problem with the thermostat. The rotary dial thermostat or temperature control has a set of internal electrical contacts that supply power to the compressor circuit, and also uses a capillary tube ...

Why is my window air conditioner blowing cold air?

If your air conditioner is continually blowing cold air and doesn’t shut off even though the set temperature has been reached, you may have a problem with the control board. Modern window air conditioners often use an Electronic Control Board, sometimes referred to as the PCB, to control the functions of the individual components of the unit.

Why is my compressor on even after temperature?

If the compressor or the circulating fan and compressor remain on even after the temperature has been reached, you may have a defective relay on the board or the processor circuitry on the board may be at fault. In either case you will have to replace the complete control board.

What is the PCB on a window air conditioner?

Modern window air conditioners often use an Electronic Control Board, sometimes referred to as the PCB, to control the functions of the individual components of the unit. A sensor device called a thermistor is mounted near the front of the evaporator and is used to monitor the room air temperature.

Why is my AC not cooling?

It may seem simplistic, but sometimes the cause of an AC system running but not cooling is simply the result of someone switching the thermostat from “Automatic” to “Fan.” When the switch is set to “Automat ic,” the thermostat, which is an integral part of the system, switches on the air conditioning when the indoor temperature rises above the desired temperature that you’ve pre-set. If the switch was accidentally set to “Fan,” however, the unit will blow air through the duct system, but no cooling will take place. Check and reset the switch to “Automatic,” if necessary.

Why is my AC filter clogged?

When filters get clogged with animal fur and dust, the AC system can’t draw in sufficient air, and as a result, only a wimpy flow of air comes out. So remove a return-air filter and, if you can’t see what’s on the other side, replace it. if you can see through the filter, the problem lies elsewhere.

How does a central air blower work?

In a central AC system, the main blower forces cold air through the ducting and from there into individual rooms. If a duct somewhere between the blower and a room register (the metal grill that covers the opening of an HVAC duct) has broken, the cold air could be blowing out before it reaches the room’s register.

Where are the coils in an AC system?

The typical AC system has two sets of coils—condenser coils, which are located in the outside compressor unit and evaporator coils , which are encased near the indoor blower unit. When either set of coils becomes dirty or covered with mold and debris, cold air output can suffer.

How does a condensation drain work?

Clear a clogged condensation drain. Air conditioners work in part by removing humidity from the air (through condensation), and that moisture must go somewhere. That’s the job of a condensation drain hose—it directs water to a floor drain or to the outside of your home, depending on your system.