Why Your AC Might Be Running Constantly – And What You Can Do About It

Across Long Island—from Huntington to East Hampton—homeowners are reporting AC systems that seem like they never get a break. With July temperatures soaring and humidity levels peaking, this issue is especially common in places like Smithtown, Islip, Patchogue, Riverhead, Babylon, and Port Jefferson. But a constantly running AC could be a sign that something’s wrong—and it could cost you big in energy bills or repairs if left unchecked.

6 Common Reasons Your AC Won’t Shut Off

1. Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder for longer. We see this issue all the time in Bay Shore, Glen Cove, and Hauppauge homes, especially during pollen-heavy months.

2. Low Refrigerant Levels

If refrigerant is leaking or running low, your AC can’t effectively cool your home—so it runs continuously. This is a common issue in older systems in Bellport, Patchogue, and Riverhead.

3. Improper Thermostat Settings

Set too low, your system may never reach the desired temperature—especially on 90+ degree days in East Hampton, Babylon, or Port Jefferson.

4. Leaky Ductwork

In homes across Islip, Smithtown, and Huntington, duct leaks waste cold air before it even reaches your rooms. Your AC keeps running to try to make up for the loss.

5. Oversized or Undersized AC Unit

If your system isn’t properly sized for your home, it will either short-cycle or run constantly. We often fix sizing issues in older homes around Glen Cove and Bay Shore.

6. Aging or Inefficient System

If your unit is 10+ years old, it may not be able to keep up with the heat. Mid-summer breakdowns or constant operation are red flags that it’s time to consider an upgrade.

What to Do if Your AC Won’t Stop Running

Before your next electric bill shocks you, here’s what we recommend:

• Change your filter immediately
• Check thermostat settings
• Schedule a professional inspection
• Get a full HVAC system performance check

Absolute HVAC offers reliable, honest service across Huntington, Smithtown, Islip, Riverhead, Babylon, Glen Cove, Port Jefferson, Bay Shore, Hauppauge, Bellport, Patchogue, and East Hampton.

Bonus Tip: Smart Thermostat = Smarter Cooling

Installing a smart thermostat can:

• Save on energy bills
• Help your system cycle properly
• Track energy usage in real-time

We install smart thermostats and handle all programming/setup for homes across Long Island.

Schedule an AC Tune-Up Before the Next Heat Wave Hits

Whether your AC is running too long—or not at all—we’re here to help. Call Absolute HVAC for fast, expert AC service anywhere in Suffolk and Nassau County.