How long can you run your AC?

With the sweltering heat of summer months upon us, it’s only natural to find yourself wanting a breath of fresh air — quite literally. While some of us resort to the traditional technique of sitting against an open refrigerator, a lot of us have the urge to keep our air conditioner perpetually switched on. But, of course, the rational mind gets the better of us when we’re forced to think: Is that even a good idea?

Summer or not, if you’ve caught yourself wondering how long can you keep your AC running, you’re not the only one. But thankfully, today, we have an answer detailed out for you. Here’s what you need to know:

What happens when you run an AC for long hours?

Your air conditioner unit houses a compressor, which typically goes through cooling cycles for your room to reach the desired temperature. While the ‘runtime’ of your air conditioner will vary based on the model, your cycle can develop issues over time, which in turn affects the number of hours your AC can run.

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An AC cycle runs between 15 to 20 minutes, which should be a couple of times in an hour. However, if you find your air conditioner running longer cycles, it could mean the onset of a problem. A case like this could cause your AC to work harder and also be the cause of a hefty power bill.

So, how long can you really use an air conditioner?

Exactly how long you can run an air conditioner depends on two major factors: The size of your AC unit along with the size of the room you’re dealing with. Wall and window air conditioning units catering to a smaller room can run for about eight to 10 hours before needing rest or a cool-off period. Larger wall units can run up to 12 hours depending on their capacity and cooling power. 

While there is no straight answer as to how long a particular AC unit can run, it ultimately boils down to closely monitoring the appliance for any anomaly. If you find it to be overworked, it is always a good idea to get it checked for issues. Going for a ZipCare AC maintenance plan during your purchase can also ensure timely checkups, along with at-home repair or cleaning services.