Should I give my AC a rest?

Author: Wyatt Robel  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

While you may have been cautioned against this by well-meaning friends or family, in most cases it's perfectly fine to keep your home's central AC system running continuously.

How long should you let your AC rest?

Giving your air conditioner a 15 to 30-minute break every 2 to 3 hours of uninterrupted functioning can be beneficial. The system can cool down, and its parts can rest during this time, reducing the stress on the unit.

Is it good to give AC a break?

This will reduce the strain placed on your AC unit, allowing it to run more efficiently, and lowering your energy bills. Bottom line, while it's not necessary to give your AC unit rest breaks during summer, its maintenance is essential.

Is it better to run AC continuously or in intervals?

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.

How cool should my house be if it's 90 outside?

What should my AC be set at if it's 90 degrees outside? If the outdoor temperature is 90 degrees, it's recommended to set your thermostat between 75-78 degrees.

Why my AC stops cooling after some time?

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside in summer?

Just because the outdoor temperature is above 100, the Ideal temperature to set your AC unit to doesn't change — it's 78 degrees. Higher temperatures in the home are to be expected when the weather is hotter than usual, but your thermostat can still be set the same as if it were a lower temperature outside.

Why won't my AC go below 74?

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.

Does keeping the AC at 72 save money?

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.

How many hours should my AC run on a hot day?

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.

How long should an AC stay off between cycles?

Once the AC completes a cycle of about 15 and 20 minutes, it should remain off for 7 to 10 minutes. This helps it cool off before starting another cycle. The stops happen 2 to three times per hour.

When should you not run your AC?

But you shouldn't run your AC if the temperature is below 60°F. Heat pumps: Modern heat pumps are effective at around 25 to 30°F. Ductless mini-splits: Avoid using the cooling function when temperatures fall below 60°F.

Will an AC freeze up if it runs too long?

If the thermostat malfunctions and detects the wrong temperature, this can cause your A/C to run too hard for long periods of time. If your A/C runs for too long it can cause the coils to freeze.

What should you keep your AC on to save money?

You'll save more money on air conditioning bills the closer you keep your inside temperature to the outside temperature, so see if you can stand to set your thermostat at 78 instead of 72.

What is the 3 minute rule for aircon?

Allow a 3-minute break after turning the AC on or off and reset the circuit breaker 24 hours prior to first use to prevent damage and improve efficiency. Perform a pre-start inspection by cleaning the unit, checking filters and coils, and starting the AC in fan mode before cooling to ensure it runs smoothly.

Is it OK to leave AC running 24 7?

There are a few reasons you don't want to run your AC system all the time: 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.

How long should an AC run before shutting off?

When things are working right, your central air conditioner should run for 15 to 20 minutes and then turn off for a few minutes. It will do this two or three times every hour. It may run longer when it's sweltering outside.

Do air conditioners need to rest?

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.

Is 72 too hot AC?

Setting your air conditioning to 72°F is generally considered a comfortable indoor temperature for many people. It strikes a good balance between comfort and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for residential settings.

Is it better for AC to run longer or shorter?

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.

How cool should my house be if it's 110 outside?

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.

Is 82 too high for AC?

While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be too uncomfortable for most families. Most people sleep better when their sleeping area is chilly, so that's why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees.

What is the cheapest temperature to keep AC on?

Finding the right AC temperature for your electricity bill is a balancing act. By setting it around 78°F and considering external factors, you can enjoy comfort and save on energy costs simultaneously. Remember, small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time.

Why is my AC set to 72 but reads 78?

Clean the Thermostat

Sometimes, when the room temperature doesn't match the thermostat setting, the problem could be dirt buildup on its interior parts. A dirt coating around the inner components may create excess heat and cause the thermostat to give the wrong readings.

How long should it take to cool a house from 80 to 72?

Cooling a house from 80 to 72 degrees is a common goal for many, especially during the peak of summer. On average, this process takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours.

Is 68 too low to set AC?

In order to prevent your AC from overworking and breaking down, it's important to keep the temperature setting on your thermostat at a reasonable level. During a heatwave, we recommend that you don't lower the AC's setting below 68°F.

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