Here's the thing: It's normal for your AC to run continuously during hot summer months. You see, on extremely hot days—we're talkin' high 90s to 100s—your system needs to keep up with the incoming heat. To do that, it will run longer in order to maintain a constant, desired temperature in your home.
On a 90-degree day, your AC system might need to run more frequently to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Typically, an AC unit should run for about 15-20 minutes per cycle.
If your AC is sized properly it should be running most of the day on the hottest days assuming that it's actually keeping the place cool and you're not trying to cool into the 50s or 60s.
Some of the basics include: turn your thermostat up a couple degrees and deal with 76 to 78 degree temperatures indoors for a few days. close off unused rooms. close doors and vents.
Experts generally advise running in temperatures up to 95°F (35°C) is safe for most people, but it's not as simple as checking the temperature and heading outside. Some runners will be adapted for the heat because of where they live; some may need a couple of weeks to adjust to warmer climates.
Understand heat index dangers: Avoid running outside if the heat is above 98.6 degrees and the humidity is above 70-80%. If the humidity in the air is so high that it prevents the process of evaporation of sweat from the skin, you can quickly overheat and literally cook your insides from an elevated body temperature.
Your AC might not cool properly due to thermostat issues, an undersized unit, or extremely high outdoor temps—so check those first. Keep an eye on airflow—replace clogged filters every 3 months, and make sure vents and ducts aren't blocked for efficient cooling.
During heat waves, experts, including utility companies, recommend keeping your thermostat no more than 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. For instance, if it's 100 degrees outside, aim to set your thermostat to at least 80 degrees.
The DOE also recommends changing your thermostat and AC settings depending on the time of day and whether or not you are in your home. The recommended rule of thumb for summertime is to set the temperature to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're home and higher when you're away.
Is your central air conditioner is running constantly? This leads to a big energy bill and can even damage your cooling system!
When temperatures outside become higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the air conditioning system can consume more energy and begin to malfunction or fail. Most air conditioning systems are designed to function with outside temperatures of 100 degrees or less.
Your AC will work harder to cool your home when outdoor temperatures are higher than normal. The compressor will run more frequently to reach and maintain the desired indoor temperature. The air conditioner may run all the time if the temperature hits 100℉ and soars even higher.
Here's the thing: It's normal for your AC to run continuously during hot summer months. You see, on extremely hot days—we're talkin' high 90s to 100s—your system needs to keep up with the incoming heat. To do that, it will run longer in order to maintain a constant, desired temperature in your home.
Most central air conditioners can cool a moderate-sized (3 to 4 bedroom) home by about 5 degrees every 3 hours. This means while it can take no more than a couple hours to lower the temperature to a comfortable range in the fall or autumn, it can take much longer in the summer.
Allowing your air conditioner to rest is an excellent way to extend its life and ensure it operates efficiently throughout the years. Air conditioners, like homeowners, require rest in order to recover and perform optimally.
For many of us, 70 degrees is the ideal indoor temperature, but when it is close to 100 degrees outside, your AC unit will be working quite hard to meet these expectations. Consider setting your thermostat at 75 degrees to 80 degrees in your home if the outside temperature is approaching triple digits.
The California Energy Commission recommends that homeowners set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they're home and 85 degrees when they're away from home during the summer.
It's advisable to keep your home below 80 degrees throughout the summer. A house that's too warm can be dangerous to people, pets, and the soft surfaces in your home. Set the winter temperature to 68 degrees when you're awake and 62 degrees when you're sleeping.
In short, the 20-degree rule of air conditioning states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature. It means that, if the outdoor conditions are at 95 degrees, you should set your thermostat at no less than 75 degrees.
One possible reason your AC is not reaching the set temperature is that the thermostat could be dirty. If dirt, dust, or other debris has accumulated within the thermostat box, it can cause the wires to heat up or other issues. Thermostats are cleaned during routine HVAC maintenance to help prevent this from happening.
Consumer satisfaction research company Canstar Blue says that for optimum cooling and energy efficiency, it's best to set your air conditioner's temperature in summer to 24-25 degrees. Every degree cooler than this optimum temperature will generally consume about 10 percent or more energy.
Other energy savings advocates not only embrace the three-point case; they say that homeowners should push the envelope – and the thermostat dial – even further. They recommend that when it's 90 degrees outside, you should try setting your air conditioning thermostat at 80 degrees or higher.
Recommendations: Limit strenuous outdoor activity; Limit your time outdoors; Stay well-hydrated. Drink 10 gulps every 20 minutes. Heat Index: 80-89 degrees F Heat Effect: Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity Recommendations: Limit your time outdoors; Stay well-hydrated.