How Long Can an Air Conditioner Run Continuously?

How cool is too cool?

A woman relaxing in her home
Photo: Anastasiia Krivenok / Moment / Getty Images
A woman relaxing in her home
Photo: Anastasiia Krivenok / Moment / Getty Images
Highlights
  • If a standard air conditioner is in good order, it can run continuously without a problem. 

  • Wall or window AC units should only run eight to 12 hours before you turn them off. 

  • Running your AC nonstop will lead to higher electric bills and more repairs.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

When you’re battling summer temps, sometimes ice cream isn’t even enough to beat the heat. On these sweltering days, you may be tempted to keep your central air or window unit running nonstop. But how long can you run an air conditioner continuously without running into trouble? 

How Long Can My Air Conditioner Run Continuously?

If your central AC is in good working order, running it nonstop shouldn’t be a problem. While you may have heard that HVAC units can overheat, if your air conditioner is in good shape, it shouldn’t have an issue running 24/7, even in warm weather. This is why regular tune-ups and inspections, especially before the hottest months, are a must.

Angi Tip

Get your HVAC system serviced and inspected at least once per year. For extra peace of mind, call in a pro twice annually: once before the hottest months of the year and again before the coldest time of year.

Kassidy Barber
Content Editor, Angi

The type of air conditioner you have impacts if you can safely run it continuously. 

For example, most window units and wall air conditioners aren’t as powerful. These should only run between eight and 12 hours before you give them a break. 

So, yes, you can run your air conditioner continuously. However, the real question is: “Why does your air conditioner need to run all day?”

Signs Your Air Conditioner Is Overworked

If your air conditioner needs to run continuously to keep your house cool, it might be time to call in a pro for repair or think about getting your AC replaced. In addition to running nonstop, here are some other signs that your AC unit needs some extra attention: 

  • The room or house still feels humid: Air conditioners pull humidity from the air to keep things cool. If your home is still humid, even with the AC running, it might be time to call for HVAC repair.

  • Strange noises: Most air conditioners aren’t completely silent. However, if you notice strange or loud noises coming from your AC, loose or broken parts may be the culprit. 

  • Energy bills are up: If you notice a jump in your electricity bill, an aging or inefficient AC unit could be to blame.   

  • Leaks: Coolant leaking out of your central air conditioning system spells big trouble. Call a local air conditioning repair company immediately if you notice fluid leaking. 

If your AC won’t cool the house down without running constantly and you notice any of the above, it’s probably time to call for HVAC repair.

Drawbacks of Running the Air Conditioner Nonstop

Do you prefer the feel of nonstop AC in your home? Choosing to run the system 24/7 can keep your home cool and keep the air moving, but there are drawbacks.

  • Higher electricity bills: You’ll use a lot more power if your AC runs constantly, which means you’ll see a significant increase in monthly electric bills.

  • Quicker wear and tear: Your AC’s parts eventually wear down with normal use, so you expect them to wear down much faster with continuous AC running. 

  • More filters needed: You’ll need to replace your air filters more often if the AC is always on. HVAC filters cost $10 to $50 a pop, which adds up. 

Maintaining Your Air Conditioner

4 benefits of year-round HVAC maintenance, including lower energy bills and better air quality

Keeping your air conditioner in good shape means it can cool down your house faster. This way, you don’t have to run it all the time to maintain your desired temperature. Consider these regular maintenance tips to keep your AC running smoothly:

  • Remove window units seasonally: Keeping a window unit installed year-round makes it harder for your central HVAC unit to heat the room in the winter and shortens the life span of the air conditioner. Learn how to install a window AC unit so that you can confidently take it out in the winter and reinstall it in the spring. 

  • Clean your window unit: Regularly cleaning your window AC unit will keep it running as efficiently as possible. Cleaning your window AC unit takes less than an hour and can be done with supplies you already have at home.  

  • Schedule regular service: Before the weather heats up each year, consider calling the pros to ensure everything’s in working order. The average AC service costs $200, and nipping any issues in the bud could mean avoiding emergency repairs in the dog days of summer. 

  • Regularly replace filters: Consistently changing your filter helps your AC run more efficiently and keeps the air in your home cleaner. How often you replace a filter will depend on how thick it is, but most people have to replace filters between once a month and once every three months. 

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to heating and air conditioning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Father and son playing at home
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
Heating and cooling system on the fritz? Discover the factors that go into HVAC repair costs and how you can save money on this crucial home update.
Heat pump exterior backyard
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
A heat pump is an eco-friendly heating and cooling system that can save you money on utilities each month. Find out the cost of a heat pump with this guide.
woman, man, and child in cozy blankets huddled next to furnace in low light and smiling
Apr 24, 2025
Apr 24, 2025
When it’s time to replace the furnace, review this guide for new furnace costs based on type, size, and efficiency, plus furnace installation costs.
A woman covered in a blanket reading a book
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Whether you’ve lost heat or your furnace is making strange sounds, stay calm. Use this guide to determine the source of the problem and your next steps.
Bedroom interior with big bed and a sunny window
Apr 25, 2025
Apr 25, 2025
If you’re asking, “Why is my upstairs so hot?” we’re here to help. Read on and learn why it isn’t just poor air circulation causing a toasty top floor.
A woman covered in a blanket drinking some coffee
Apr 22, 2025
Apr 22, 2025
Why are some rooms colder than others? If your living room is toasty but the bedroom is freezing, here are a few reasons why and how to fix it.