A common question first-time AC owners will ask before buying the device is, ‘how many hours should AC run per day?’ Air cooling units are vital appliances that ensure your home is comfortable during hot summers.
An AC can stay on for an extended period. However, some areas experience summers with high temperatures throughout the day. In that case, a compressor must run throughout the day to cool the rooms. However, it goes on and off between circles after achieving the desired temperatures.
Most AC cycles run for about 15 to 20 minutes. Shorter or longer circles indicate a problem in your machine, and these are complicated to solve, so it is advisable to hire an HVAC expert like Hurliman to address the issue.
Reasons Your AC Might Run All-Day
Although it is normal for AC units to run all day to maintain the home’s temperatures during summer, the unit takes a break after 15 to 20 minutes. However, sometimes the machine could run the entire day without going off, which is abnormal.
Some of the causes for this are;
1. Wrong Thermostat Settings
Thermostat settings control the performance of your AC. If you set the thermostat to “on,” the system will not go off until you turn it off. It continues running even after achieving the desired temperatures.
Ensure your thermostat is set at “auto.” The auto setting commands the device to go off once it reaches the desired temperature. Also, do not set too low temperatures. If the outside temperatures are too high, setting the thermostat at low temperatures means the machine will run the entire day because it is hard to achieve those temperatures.
2. Dirty Air Filters
When inquiring, “How long should an AC run?” the manufacturer might forget to mention the importance of keeping your air filters clean for maximum efficiency. Dirty filters cause machine inefficiency and could run the AC all day.
Dirt in the filters is caused by pet dander, dust, and debris. Since air is blown through the vents, your family will breathe dirty air, and they could suffer allergies and asthma attacks.
Besides, dirty air vents cause the machine to work extra hard and run for more time to meet your home’s temperature requirements. In addition, the energy bills increase when the machine works all day, and some mechanical parts could wear and tear.
3. Too Small Ductwork for the Home
Some homeowners will buy undersized ductwork to save on costs. These are a disadvantage if your house is big because the cool air won’t be able to reach some areas. This leaves the AC running extra time and using more energy.
Consult an HVAC expert if you are unsure of installing the correct ductwork. They will inspect your home and advise you on buying the best devices. The expert will also professionally install the ductwork to ensure the AC works effectively.
4. Poor Insulation on Windows and Doors
Energy-efficient windows and doors reduce the work of the HVAC. However, uninsulated windows allow hot air to enter the home, making it hotter. This gives the air conditioner more job than if the windows and doors function correctly.
When buying windows, buy those made from materials like fiberglass, vinyl, or wood. They regulate the temperatures in the room, keeping it at the desired temperatures. Also, ensure the doors and windows are sealed for excellent energy efficiency.
Cons of Running an AC for 24 Hours
When checking how long AC should run on a hot day, you will realize that some can run for 24 hours. This is normal for your AC, especially if the temperatures are too high or you have set it too low. However, letting your machine run throughout has cons.
Some of the disadvantages are;
1. More Power Consumption
The AC unit uses power to operate. Although you can get HVAC units made with the new technology for better efficiency, they could still raise your energy bills if your air conditioner runs all day.
If you notice a rise in energy bills, check the effectiveness of your AC, and make sure to clean the vents and air filters to ensure it doesn’t struggle to function. You should also set the cooling temperatures higher to allow your AC to relax between the cycles.
2. Fast Degradation
The AC is an electronic device that wears and tears with time. Although some devices are meant to last longer, running them for longer periods of time will cause faster degradation. In addition, when the machine overworks or uses more energy than required, its mechanical parts weaken and could stop functioning.
Always ensure you check the condition of your air conditioner, and take care to inspect the air ducts, vents, and outdoor units. Outdoor units get exposed to many elements, like rain and snow, which can cause rusting.
3. High Servicing and Maintenance Costs
When the machine shows signs of degradation, like a breakdown of some parts, you will need to hire an expert to repair it. The repairs might seem like added expenses but are necessary, as leaving the AC to operate with malfunctioning parts could lead to a complete breakdown, forcing you to replace it completely with another unit, which is even costlier.
To avoid high servicing costs, you can schedule yearly maintenance. First, the expert inspects your cooling system to check for minor problems like breakdowns. Then, they will fix the malfunctioning parts before these lead to a bigger problem.
How to Reduce an AC Running Time
Since having your air conditioning system run all day can lead to fast degradation and high energy usage, you can reduce the operational time. Only turn on the device when needed. This could mainly be during the day when the temperatures are too high, and you need to cool the house.
You should also schedule yearly maintenance to ensure your machine is good. For example, the expert will inspect the thermostat to ensure it is correctly set. They also check the mechanical parts to be sure they are functioning perfectly.
If you notice any weird changes with your HVAC system, contact an expert for inspection. They charge a service fee but save you from buying a new system.
Final Words
How many hours should AC run per day? Your AC can run throughout the day during hot summers to cool the rooms. However, a 24/7 operation time is not healthy for your machine, so set the thermostat at higher temperatures that are easy to achieve.
