Share This Guide
If you are wondering, ‘Does the outside ac fan always run?’ you are in the right place. Summer is always great for carrying out many outdoor activities. But sometimes, it can bring its own downsides, such as a heat wave.
When you have a heat wave, you’ll want your air conditioner to cool down your home and provide comfortable temperatures. But when you notice your air conditioner running non-stop, then you should be concerned.
This article will discuss what can cause your outdoor ac fan to run constantly when it shouldn’t.
Also read: Air Conditioner Outside Unit Fan Not Working [Solved]
Does The Outside AC Fan Always Run?
The short answer is NO. Your outside AC fan doesn’t have to run non-stop. But if you notice that your fan is always running without taking breaks, this could signal some issues within your HVAC system. So, lets Check out some of the issues that could cause this problem below.
1. AC Not Reaching the Set Temperature
If the air conditioner is running and not reaching the set temperature, it will continue running without taking breaks. A few things can cause your ac to run constantly without cooling your home or reaching the set temperature. These include dirty air filters, open doors and windows, an undersized AC unit, and too hot outside.
2. Dirty Air Filters
An air Filter is a component of your air conditioner system that screens out dirt from the air before it gets into your air conditioning system. Filters help keep the coils clean for easy heat absorption from your home. They also ensure that the air that enters your home has fewer unwanted particles and other things that are not good for allergies, such as pet hair.
However, if air filters get dirty and you forget to replace them on time, they can bring about different issues with your ac. Some of these include:
- Restricted airflow into your ac system. When there is restricted airflow into your ac system, there won’t be enough cooling in your home, and your ac will overwork to try and cool your home. In short, restricted airflow will make your ac inefficient.
- Dirty air will bypass your air conditioner and deposit dirt on the evaporator coils making it hard for it to absorb heat. This will also make your ac inefficient, causing it to run continuously.
3. Open Doors and Windows
Another thing that could cause your outdoor ac fan to run always without breaking is open doors and windows. Central air conditioners, window air conditioners, and mini splits don’t bring in air from outside. Instead, they cool the air within your home or room.
When the windows and doors to the outside are left open while your air conditioner is running, this could significantly make your air conditioner inefficient. Hot outside air will sneak in and displace the cooler air in your home.
Because of that, your air conditioner will continue running to try and cool your home, and this will cause other components, such as the condenser unit, the compressor, and the condenser fan to run constantly without taking breaks. This also puts a burden of hefty electricity bills on you.
Solution
When running your air conditioner, ensure that your indoor environment is isolated from the outdoor environment in every way possible. And if you use a window air conditioner, ensure that gaps between the ac and the window are sealed. You can use door blocks to seal off gaps between the door and the floor.
4. Undersized AC Unit
An undersized AC unit could also cause your system components to run nonstop. An AC unit that is too small for your home or room will work harder and longer to try and cool your home. AC’s cooling powers are rated in BTUs. The more BTU an AC has, the bigger the room it can cool adequately.
However, if an ac has less Btu than the recommended BTUs for that particular room, it would work longer, resulting in expensive electricity Bills.
However, you can do a few things to help solve this problem. These include sealing gaps between windows and the air conditioner. Closing outside doors should help too.
Read also: AC Unit Blowing Hot Air Outside [Solved]
5. Too Hot Outside
If your neighborhood has a heat wave, your ac will struggle to keep your home cool. Air conditioners are designed to work correctly and efficiently within a limited range of outdoor temperatures, 92 degrees or below. When outdoor temperatures exceed 92 degrees, your ac will probably run continuously to try and cool your home. That could be the reason your outside ac fan is always running.
6. Dirty Or Blocked Condenser Unit
The condenser unit has a condenser coil where the refrigerant releases heat and turns it into liquid. The condenser fan draws in air that removes heat as it is ejected. These ac components work hand in hand to ensure heat is released to the outdoor air.
However, when the condenser is blocked by objects such as leaves, the heat won’t be disposed of as it should. This could be why your fan is always running to try and dispose of the heat. However, you can do a few things to keep your condenser free from objects.
These include:
- Clearing away debris near the condenser unit.
- Trimming shrubs that have overgrown.
- Blowing away nearby leaves.
- Spraying water on ac condenser will also ensure that your condenser fins and coils are not blocked and the condenser can release heat freely.
7. Stuck AC Contactor
An ac contactor completes the electrical circuit when there is a call from the thermostat to do so. Over time, the contactor can malfunction and get stuck in the contact position. When this happens, you might notice your outdoor ac unit running constantly and can only stop when you turn off power at the circuit breakers.
Contactors are replaceable. If you are a DIY person, you can get information from your current contactor and order a replacement online. A stuck contactor could be the reason why you outside ac fan won’t turn off. Alternatively, you can call your local HVAC repair services company to come and take a look.
FAQ
1. Why Does My Outside Condenser Keep Running?
If your outside condenser keeps running, this could be a sign of any of the following issues:
- Restricted airflow due to dirty air filters. Check your air filters; if you notice they are dirty, clean them or replace them.
- Dirty Condenser Coils. When your condenser coil is dirty and has built up on it. It will become harder for it to dispose of the heat. As a result, your condenser will overwork to try and dispose of the heat. Try spraying hose water on it.
- Your AC is running low on refrigerant. An AC system low on refrigerant could also be why your ac condenser unit is running constantly. A refrigerant helps absorb heat from your home, cooling your indoor air. However, when your system is low on refrigerant, your ac condenser will run longer in trying to cool your home.
2. How Do I Stop My Air Conditioner from Running All Day?
You can help prevent your air conditioner from running all day by ensuring that air filters are changed on time, usually about once in a couple of months.
You should also ensure that your outdoor condenser unit is not blocked. Clear debris around the condenser unit and if possible, spray water on the condenser if you see dirt on it.
3. Is Spraying Water on Ac Condenser OK?
Yes, it’s OK to spray water on your ac condenser as a measure to clean it and help it work better. Spraying water can be done with the help of a hose. You can spray the water from the sides towards the unit or from the top. Whichever method is convenient for you is fine.
Keeping your ac outdoor unit clean will keep your ac working better and more efficiently. This will also stop your cooling system from running constantly.
Final Thought
We hope this guide answers your question, ‘Does the outside ac fan always run?’
And as we always advise, if you are unable to fix the problem on your own, always call professionals for help.
Also read: AC Condenser Unit Blowing Cold Air Outside [Solved]
We would also like to mention that it’s important to observe regular HVAC maintenance to keep your ac system working better and more efficiently. The government recommends that annual HVAC tune-ups be done twice a year, in the fall and in the spring. Thanks for reading.
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.