Modern air conditioning units are designed to run 24 hours a day. There is no harm in having it run to keep your home cool all day long.
How Many Hours Should AC Run Per Day. There is a general answer to the question of how many hours per day your AC should run: Between 12 and 16 hours on an average summer day. However, the actual number will depend on some specific factors, including the ones below: The temperature outside.
It is safe to do so, but regular maintenance is even more important because there's more wear and tear on the system. Many people believe it's more efficient to run your air conditioning all day. This is because the unit will never have to work too hard at any given point to cool the home.
In some cases, an AC unit that runs constantly is normal. Some energy-efficient systems are designed to run at full capacity all day long. However, if this is out of character for your air conditioning system or you're otherwise concerned, there might be some deeper issues at play. Some you can correct on your own.
As suggested by experts, the cooling cycle of an AC is supposed to last for at least 15 minutes. In this duration, the compressor and air handler distribute the desired cooling inside the room.
Your air conditioner may be running constantly because it can't supply your home with enough cool air. Either something is wrong with the blower itself, or something is blocking air to the blower. What you should do: Change your air filter if it's dirty (here's a simple air filter buyer's guide).
Ideally, your AC should run for 15 minutes on nice, warm days. Only on those rare triple-digit temperature days should your air conditioner be running almost all the time. If your AC isn't following this pattern, you could have a problem.
As we said, an air conditioner should run for about fifteen minutes- if your ac runs all day long, especially on hot days, it's time for some maintenance! This is bad for your air conditioner and bad for your electricity bills. That's why we recommend an annual tune-up to keep your AC in tip-top shape.
Your unit's blow might have a problem or be blocked by things such as dirt and debris. Similarly, clogged ducts, coils, and air filters are likely to be the cause of airflow problems and inefficient cycling. These problems may even be the reason your outside AC unit runs constantly.
Dirty, clogged or overly restrictive filters may be the cause of many heating-and-cooling problems, including a constantly running AC system. What you can do: Turn your air conditioner off. Remove and inspect your HVAC filter.
Give your Air Conditioner a Rest
When air conditioners are constantly run, they tend to wear out quicker. It is important to turn the air conditioner off if you plan on leaving home for any length of time. You can turn the thermostat a minimum of 5 degrees to allow the unit to stay on, but not cool the air.
Chris Harvey, a heating specialist at Stelrad,further explains that 'leaving the AC running throughout the night can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and increased utility bills. Turning off your AC at night can prevent unnecessary strain on the system too, and optimize the performance of your heating.
In short, scientists and experts seem to agree that leaving your AC on during the night is pretty safe. What's more, some actually recommend it since the optimal temperature for sleeping seems to be on the cooler end of the spectrum.
When you notice your surroundings getting warmer and your home feeling the effects, you power on your air conditioning system to keep things cool. However, it isn't wise to use your AC for an extremely long period of time because overworking the air conditioner can cause it to malfunction much sooner.
HVAC overuse is possible and can occur. Running your AC around the clock is going to quickly increase your energy costs and your unit may also experience plenty of damage. Although it may be hot where you live all day long, you need to give your unit a rest so you can avoid it overheating.
The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day. But this does not mean that you should leave it on full blast, keeping your home so cold that you need a sweater or jacket to be comfortable.
Got a central air conditioner that turns on and off every few seconds or minutes? This is called “short cycling” (because normally the AC has a regular on and off “cycle” that varies with the outside temperature.) Short cycling wears out the outside unit's compressor.
If your system seems to never shut off, there may be an issue with your thermostat. It may be that your home has reached the correct temperature, but the thermostat is not registering the conditions in the home. In this case, your A/C unit will continue running.
The outside condenser unit is the part of your AC system that disperses the heat from your refrigerant into the outside air. If your outside unit is visibly dirty, or if the condenser coils are really dirty, then your AC will struggle to disperse that heat, which means it will take longer to cool your home.
Consider ramping up the dial
They recommend that when it's 90 degrees outside, you should try setting your air conditioning thermostat at 80 degrees or higher. And when it's 95 to 100 degrees outside (and higher), you should set your thermostat at 85 degrees or higher.
A good rule of thumb is during the hottest days when the dial reaches 100 degrees it is best to set your AC to somewhere between 75 and 80 degrees.
The abnormally high outdoor heat forces your AC to work nonstop and at a higher level to meet your desired indoor temperature. Cooling down your house in high temperatures can take a lot longer than usual, and your AC might not be able to reach your comfort level.
It usually takes around two and a half to three and a half hours to cool your house from 80 to 72 degrees. However, a variety of different factors can affect the time it takes to reach the desired temperature, including the thermostat setting, the size of the house, and the efficiency of the air filters.
Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Blowing Warm or Hot Air
There are a number of reasons that your air conditioner isn't functioning properly and not blowing cold air. These can be due to clogging issues, electrical problems, low refrigerant, evaporator coil malfunctions, or compressor problems.