Is There Exact Time Air Conditioner Should Run?

Have you been wondering if your air conditioner should run all the time to keep your home cool? If you have, you are not the only one. As the warm weather arrives, the question of how often should an air conditioner cycle is one of the most common ones homeowners ask. The first point you need to understand is your air conditioner has been running nonstop. If so, you might want to consider air conditioner installation and repair. And yet, how long should the AC run?

Some property owners worry that their air conditioner runs too much. Others worry that their AC does not run long enough, and they need to contact HVAC contractors. If you are among this number, you should note that an air conditioner should run for between 15 and 20 minutes at a time. This is in a perfect situation. The problem is we live in less than perfect conditions. There are so many external factors impacting how long the air conditioner will run.

Outdoor Temperatures

This is a no-brainer. The hotter it is outside, the longer it will take for the air conditioner to achieve the desired temperature.  It is more so when there is high humidity. You should not be alarmed if the AC runs more on hot days and less on cooler days. As long as the air conditioner helps achieve comfortable temperatures, you don’t need to be alarmed.

Settings on the Thermostat

The lower you set the thermostats during summer, the longer the air conditioner will run to achieve the set temperatures. While there are days when you want the temperatures to be as cool as possible, setting the thermostat too low will cause the air conditioner to overwork. The ideal temperature to set on your thermostat is between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Size of the AC

This is one of the biggest factors that affect how long the air conditioner runs. When you have an air conditioner that is too big for your home/building, the run time will be about 10 minutes or less.  It is usually known as short-cycling. The air conditioner will be able to cool the house quickly.

Short-cycling impacts the percentage of humidity in the house. When you have an air conditioner that is too big, it will cool the air but will not dehumidify your home. This means you will still feel hot and sticky.

On the other hand, when the air conditioner is too small, you will notice the AC constantly running.  It happens because a small air conditioner cannot cool the house adequately and will thus have to run longer to get to the desired temperatures. If the AC runs for more than 20 minutes with no change in temperatures, this means you have an AC that is too small.

Size of Your Home

Although it is closely related to the point on the size of the AC, this is a point worth looking at independently. Even with the right size air conditioner, it is imperative that you get the unit positioned properly. For example, you can have the air conditioner positioned in a way that cools the rooms you are using. You don’t need to waste time cooling an unoccupied guest room. You can close the dampers and doors and redirect the air to your living room.

The larger your home is, the longer it will take for the AC to cool it. This means the AC will end up running longer.

Quality of Insulation

The goal of insulation is to reduce the rate at which heat from outside leaks into your house. Poor insulation means your home will not be cool for long. The air conditioner will have to kick in to lower the temperatures. This causes the AC to run more frequently.

State of the AC

Just like everything else, the air conditioner is prone to wear and tear. This means if you don’t care for it properly, it will start to operate inefficiently. An AC that is neglected will not cool the house properly and will run longer to reach the desired temperature. This  isn’t good for both the AC and your electricity bills. You need to make arrangements for annual tune-ups in order to keep the AC in tip-top shape.

Damages to the AC can cause it to run constantly. Common issues that can cause the AC to run longer include:

• Blocked air filters
• Dirty evaporator coils
• Blocked drain line
• Refrigerant leak

The above are the main issues that cause problems with a running AC. To avoid high energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures, you need to get the right-sized air conditioner and make sure the AC is maintained properly. Our team at Air Makers will be happy to help with this. We have lots of experience installing, maintaining and repairing air conditioners. Give us a call today to find out more about our services.