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Although it may be a little premature to start thinking about winter, there have already been a few cold days this fall. And on those chilly days, you may have tried to turn your AC off but found that AC won’t turn off. If this has happened to you, do not worry – you are not alone. This blog post will explore why your AC may be staying on even when you want it to turn off. We will also provide some tips for troubleshooting and fixing the issue. Stay warm!
Thermostat
Thermostats play a vital role in turning off air conditioners by serving as the control panel for these appliances. If your thermostat is broken, outdated, unable to hold a charge, or any other similar reason, it might prevent your air conditioner from operating. You can start by testing your thermostat yourself; to do this, you need your home to be silent and go through all the settings to see if they are working correctly. If you suspect the issue is with your thermostat, you can contact an HVAC technician to connect a new wire to the condenser.
It can be challenging to determine if the core problem is with the thermostat wiring. There is no specific prevention method we can suggest to prevent this problem. However, you can fence the external AC unit if you suspect a rodent or weed-whacker has damaged the outside wiring or keep any nails in the wall.
Condenser Coil
The condenser coils dissipate heat to the outside of the house to keep the AC running. If they get dirty, the extra layer of grit will push the AC to work harder and not reach the correct temperature. It is essential to clean your AC condensers outside of the house before winter since they will most likely accumulate debris. It would be preferable to use a wet or dry vac or distilled white vinegar to remove the trash from inside. Before you do this, turn off the power source that feeds electricity to your AC.
Blower Fan
The blower fan is one of the most critical components of an air conditioning unit. It is responsible for circulating cool air throughout the home. When the fan becomes dirty or clogged, it cannot circulate air as effectively, which can cause the AC unit to run continuously to cool the home.
Fan Switch
A fan switch is related to turning off an AC because it can be accidentally switched to manual instead of auto. It will keep the fan operating even after the air conditioner has reached the desired temperature. If the fan switch is stuck in the ON position, it may need to be replaced. Air circulation is vital for an AC unit, and the fan helps to move air across the air filter. If the fan is not working correctly, it can cause the AC unit not to function correctly.
Evaporator Coil
If the evaporator coil is filthy, it will prevent the AC from operating as intended and freeze. If the ice on the coil or the refrigerant has leaked, it must be replaced as soon as possible. Dirty coils can also cause the AC to run less efficiently and eventually break down. It is essential to schedule regular AC maintenance to prevent these problems.
The three most common causes of an AC unit not turning off are a tripped breaker, a bad thermostat, or low refrigerant. If you have checked all of the above and your AC will not turn off, it is time to call in a professional.