It's normal for an AC to run for multiple hours per day. However, there is a difference between keeping your AC on throughout the day and the compressor running all day. Once your space reaches your desired temperature, your AC system, or more specifically, the compressor, should stop running automatically.
Running a home air conditioner 24/7/365 can put a strain on the unit and potentially lead to increased wear and tear. This constant operation may result in higher energy bills and could shorten the lifespan of the equipment.
leaving it on all day and night is better for the HVAC system because it's less taxing. Should you turn off your AC when on vacation? HVAC experts agree it's better to keep your AC on when you're on vacation, especially if you don't plan to leave any windows open.
So How Many Hours During the Day Should Your AC Unit Be Running? The average air conditioner run time for a typical summer day is 12 to 16 hours.
On an average summer day, a general guideline is that your AC should operate between 12 and 16 hours. However, several factors can influence this, including the outdoor temperature, desired indoor temperature, the size and type of your unit, and your home's energy efficiency.
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.
This is normal and, thankfully, won't damage a well-maintained AC unit. However, running it 24/7 will drive up your electricity bills due to the constant need to counter the heat outside. High demand during summer often leads to power outages.
In general, wall and window air conditioning units with smaller capacities can typically run for up to eight hours at a time before they need to rest. Larger wall and window units have a longer running time of around 10 to 12 hours, depending on their cooling power.
The short answer is, yes, 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.
Prolonged air conditioner use can affect health, causing dry skin, dehydration, and respiratory problems. Spending significant time in AC rooms may spread allergens, leading to colds and coughs. Regular maintenance of AC systems and hydration are crucial to avoid these issues and enhance overall well-being.
Leave Your Air Conditioner On
You might think you're saving money by turning your AC off when you step out of the house. However, a wave of heat and humidity can sneak into your home in the interim. Therefore, leaving your air conditioner on all day in hot temperatures is more energy efficient.
Here are the brass tacks: Your air conditioner is the most efficient when it's running at maximum “speed” for a longer period of time, rather than short cycles in and out of “maintenance” temperatures.
The Bottom Line: Is It Bad to Keep Turning Your AC On and Off? So, is it bad to keep turning AC on and off? Yes, frequent cycling can lead to increased wear and tear on your system, diminished energy efficiency, inconsistent temperature control, and higher maintenance needs.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
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.
Electricity usage can vary depending on different factors. On average, a home air conditioner can use about 3,000 watts of electricity an hour. If you have it on all day, that's 72,000 watts of electricity a day! However, running it on the 'fan-only' mode will only consume about 750 watts an hour.
System stress: Your air conditioner unit needs time to take a break. If it's running all the time, it can be damaging to the system and lead to the need for a costly replacement. Energy bills: The cost to run your AC 24/7 can be high.
Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases, and indoor pollutants are among the common health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning.
Cons of Leaving It On
However, you might incur a few other expenses as a result of continuously running your HVAC system: The longer and more often an air conditioner runs, the more maintenance and repairs it needs. Parts wear out quicker than on a sparsely used unit.
This is bad news for the environment and your energy bills. More frequent breakdowns: Just as overworking your body can lead to exhaustion, an overworked air conditioner is prone to breaking down. Running for 24 hours straight adds wear and tear to numerous system parts, increasing the risk of untimely failures.
Leaving your air conditioning unit running all day won't typically cause damage to the unit itself, but it can strain the system and result in costly energy bills. Running your air conditioner non-stop for extended periods without regular maintenance leads to wear and tear on the unit.
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.
Your AC unit should run its cycles for about 15 to 20 minutes, no more than a couple of times within an hour. If your AC is running for long cycles, it could also indicate a problem. Any AC system failure left unsolved could mean a costly repair and a hefty electricity bill.
One of the risks of air conditioning is that it can make the air too dry. This can dry out your eyes, skin and potentially airways. Therefore, it is a good idea to make sure that you stay properly moisturized and hydrated while staying in air conditioned areas for extended periods of times.
While you might be tempted to simply turn the AC off, it's actually better to adjust the temperature several degrees higher, by about 7-10 degrees. By installing a programmable thermostat and making this simple adjustment you can potentially save as much as 10% on your energy bill.