Why Your AC Keeps Running Nonstop (and What to Do About It)

Houston summers are no joke. We’ve got heat that could fry an egg on your driveway and humidity that makes you question every life choice involving a blow dryer. But what happens when your AC decides it’s going to pull an all-nighter… every night?

While it might seem like your system is just trying to help, an AC that runs nonstop can be a sign something’s not right — and it can run your energy bill higher than a Buc-ee’s billboard.

Let’s talk about why this happens and what you can do before your house feels like a sauna and your wallet feels empty.

Common Culprits Behind the Constant AC Marathon

1. Dirty Air Filter: Think of your AC’s air filter like your nose — if it’s clogged, everything works harder to breathe. A dirty filter chokes airflow, forcing your AC to work overtime. Change it every 1–3 months (more if you have pets or kids who think “outside” is a lifestyle).

2. Thermostat Mischief: Sometimes it’s as simple as a thermostat set to the wrong mode. And yes, we’ve seen it accidentally flipped to heat in July. It happens. (We won’t tell.)

3. Low Refrigerant Levels: If your system is low on refrigerant, it can’t cool efficiently, so it just keeps running. This isn’t “top it off and forget it” territory — low refrigerant usually means there’s a leak.

4. Leaky Ductwork: If your cool air is escaping into your attic or crawlspace, your AC will keep trying to hit the temp you set. Spoiler: It never will.

5. System Sizing Issues: Undersized units will run constantly to keep up. Oversized ones? They short-cycle — but that’s a different problem. Moral of the story: size matters.

When It’s Normal for Your AC to Work Overtime

In Houston, when it’s 100° with swamp-level humidity, your system might run longer than usual. Most ACs can only cool about 20°F below the outdoor temp — so don’t expect 65° inside when it’s triple digits outside.

Quick Fixes Before Calling the Pros

• Swap that air filter.

• Double-check your thermostat settings.

• Make sure vents are open and furniture-free.

• Clear debris from the outdoor condenser.

When to Call Velocity Air A/C & Heating

If you’ve tried the above and your AC still won’t quit, it’s time for backup. We can check refrigerant, inspect ductwork, and make sure your system is actually the right size for your home.

Call us today to schedule an AC check-up before your next energy bill makes you spit out your sweet tea.

Final Thoughts

At Velocity Air A/C & Heating, if you are having trouble with your HVAC system, our team is here to help. Whether you need routine maintenance, quick repairs, or a full system replacement, we will keep your HVAC running efficiently and safely, so your home stays comfortable no matter the Texas weather. We provide expert Houston HVAC repair services, Houston HVAC installation services, and Houston HVAC preventive maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently all season long. Velocity Air A/C & Heating is proud to provide Houston HVAC services, including maintenance, emergency repair, and installation, to the Greater Houston Area.

– Your friends at Velocity Air A/C and Heating