How Long Can an Air Conditioner Run Continuously?

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.

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

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.