If your air conditioner is cooling to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16.7 degrees Celsius) even though you have set it to a higher temperature, there could be a few reasons for this behavior:
Thermostat Issues: The most common reason is a faulty thermostat. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or not calibrated correctly, it may not accurately sense the room temperature and continue to run the cooling process beyond the set temperature.
Location of Thermostat: The placement of the thermostat can also influence its accuracy. If the thermostat is located near a heat source (e.g., a lamp, electronics, direct sunlight), it may give a false reading and trigger the cooling process even when the room temperature is higher.
Short-Cycling: Short-cycling occurs when the air conditioner rapidly turns on and off in quick succession. This can happen if the unit is too large for the space it is cooling, leading it to cool the room quickly and reach the set temperature before shutting off. However, it may start cooling again soon after if the room heats up slightly.
Airflow Restrictions: Obstructions or dirty air filters can restrict airflow, leading to uneven cooling and causing the AC to run for longer periods than necessary.
Refrigerant Issues: Low refrigerant levels or other refrigerant-related problems can affect the cooling process and cause the AC to overcool the room.
Electronic Control Board Malfunction: The electronic control board inside the air conditioner could be experiencing issues, leading to erratic temperature control.
Smart Thermostat Programming: If you have a smart thermostat, check if any specific programming or schedules are causing the temperature to drop unexpectedly.
To resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:
Check Thermostat Settings: Verify that you have set the thermostat to the desired temperature and mode (cooling mode).
Calibrate or Replace Thermostat: If you suspect the thermostat is inaccurate or malfunctioning, consider calibrating or replacing it.
Check Thermostat Placement: Ensure the thermostat is away from any heat sources and located in an area where it can accurately reflect the room's temperature.
Inspect Air Filters: Clean or replace dirty air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow.
Seek Professional Inspection: If the issue persists, it's best to contact a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and resolve the problem. They can check for refrigerant levels, inspect the electronic control board, and perform a comprehensive assessment of your air conditioning system.
Remember to turn off the AC if it cools excessively to prevent wasting energy and avoid potential issues that may arise due to continuous operation.