If you’ve noticed that your AC fan has been running rather than shutting off as the heating and cooling cycles come on and off, then you have a problem with your HVAC system.
Why is the AC Fan Staying On?
There are various reasons that your AC fan could be staying on, including:
You have the fan switched to “on” instead of “auto.”
If the fan is switched to “on,” then it will run continuously until it is shut off. Check to make sure it is set to the “auto” position to ensure it runs only when the air conditioning runs.
You have thermostat issues.
If your AC fan and cooling system run when they shouldn’t, then you may need to replace the thermostat. If you shut the fan off and it still runs, you will likely need to contact an HVAC repair technician to replace your thermostat.
You have a broken relay switch or a short circuit in the system.
If your fan runs when the AC is off, then the relay switch may be faulty. This can interrupt the settings entered on the thermostat from being communicated to the fan. Additionally, a short circuit or wiring issues could prevent the on and off commands from reaching the fan.
The AC isn’t sized properly, or the temperatures are too extreme.
If your AC is too small for your building, then it will not run at peak performance and will try to run longer in order to keep up with your thermostat setting. Additionally, if the outdoor temperatures are really high, then it can cause the AC to be unable to reach the thermostat setting, causing the AC system and the fan to run longer to reach the desired temperature.
How Can I Troubleshoot the AC Issue?
To troubleshoot the issue, start by setting your fan to the “auto” setting. This will ensure that the fan only runs when the AC is running. You will want to turn the fan switch to “off” and then to “auto.” If the fan doesn’t switch off, then a thermostat replacement is in order.
If the fan setting is not causing the issue and changing the thermostat doesn’t resolve the issue, then it is possible that your HVAC system is working overtime to keep up with the thermostat setting. You may require regular maintenance to help the system get back to optimal shape.
Schedule Your Residential or Commercial HVAC Maintenance Call Today!
Don’t leave any heating and cooling issues to turn into bigger problems; contact the experienced team at Fugh Refrigeration today to schedule an HVAC maintenance call.
About The Author
Ben Lutz is the owner of Fugh Refrigeration, has decades of experience in the HVAC/R industry, and has managed many heating, cooling, and refrigeration technicians over the years.
See a selection of equipment that is currently available to purchase on Fugh.org!
New customer to Fugh Refrigeration?
