Why Your AC Is Running Nonstop—And What to Do About It
Is your air conditioner running constantly—even when the temperature seems comfortable? While it’s normal for your AC to work harder during the summer, a system that never shuts off could be wasting energy, driving up your power bills, or signaling a bigger problem. Here at Carolina Climate Control in Greenville, we hear this concern often from Upstate homeowners, especially during long, humid stretches in July and August. Let’s break down what might be causing your AC to run nonstop—and how to fix it.
1. It’s Just a Scorching Upstate Summer
In Greenville, summer heat and humidity can stick around for weeks at a time. When temps soar into the 90s, your AC has to work harder—and longer—to keep your home cool. But even on the hottest days, your system should cycle off periodically.
What to do:
If the heat is extreme and your system is cooling your home steadily, it may be doing what it’s designed to do. But if your home never reaches the set temperature, or the system runs constantly day and night, something might be wrong.
2. You’ve Got a Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter makes it harder for your system to move air, forcing it to run longer to cool your home.
What to do:
Check your filter—especially if it hasn’t been changed in over a month. Replacing a dirty filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your AC’s performance and energy efficiency.
3. Thermostat Settings or Malfunctions
A malfunctioning thermostat or incorrect settings can cause your AC to keep running unnecessarily.
What to do:
Make sure your thermostat is set to “auto” and not “on,” which keeps the fan blowing continuously. If you suspect a faulty thermostat, try replacing the batteries or consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for more control and energy savings.
4. Leaky or Poorly Insulated Ductwork
If your ductwork has leaks or poor insulation—especially common in older Greenville homes—your system could be losing cool air before it reaches your living spaces.
What to do:
Have your ductwork inspected by a professional. Sealing leaks and improving insulation can help your system run more efficiently and reduce how often it needs to cycle.
5. The AC System Is Not Properly Sized
A unit that’s too small will run constantly and still struggle to keep up, while an oversized system may short cycle and wear out faster.
What to do:
If your AC has always seemed “off” or inefficient, Carolina Climate Control can perform a system assessment. We’ll determine whether the unit is the right size for your home and recommend solutions tailored to your space.
6. You’re Due for Maintenance or Repairs
Low refrigerant, dirty coils, or worn-out components can all force your AC to run nonstop to maintain your set temperature.
What to do:
Routine maintenance can catch these issues early. Our experienced HVAC techs can tune up your system, check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and make sure everything is working the way it should.
Stay Cool, Greenville
Your air conditioner shouldn’t have to work 24/7 to keep you comfortable. If your system is running nonstop, it may be costing you more than you think. Let the trusted team at Carolina Climate Control Greenville inspect your system and keep you cool all summer long.
👉 Book your AC service today or ask about our Moose Maintenance Plan to protect your comfort year-round.
