Ah, summer. The heat waves roll in, and thanks to the sticky air and relentless sun, the idea of a nice afternoon nap feels like an unachievable dream. Enter your trusty air conditioner. But wait, have you ever found yourself sitting in your comfy chair, hearing your system go and go, and start wondering, how long should my AC run?
We get it. You have a lot of questions: Why does it feel like the AC never turns off? Is it supposed to be this loud? And just how long should my AC run, anyway? Well, let’s jump into the world of AC cycles, thermostats, when to call the pros, and tips for keeping your home cool — and your wallet.
How Long Should My AC Run? The Short Answer
Here’s the deal: there’s no magic number. Most air conditioners typically run between 15 and 20 minutes per cycle and turn off when the set temperature is reached. If your AC is running longer or more frequently, it could be a sign of an issue.
So, how long should an AC run in total throughout the day? Well, that depends on the outside temperature, your home’s insulation, the size of your space, and even how many people are at home. But on a typical day, you can expect your AC to cycle on and off anywhere from three to five times an hour. If it’s running longer than that without shutting off, it’s time to troubleshoot.
The AC Cycle: What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?
The typical air conditioning cycle is key to the question of how long your AC should run.
When you set your thermostat to a desired temperature, your air conditioner works to lower the air temperature in your home by circulating cool air. It does this through a series of processes which can be broken down into these basic steps:
- The Cooldown: Your AC starts by turning on and cooling the air in the house. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your space and the temperature difference. Note that cooling a house more than a degree can take far longer if you decide to drastically lower the thermostat or have had the system off for a while.
- Thermostat Action: Once the temperature hits your set point, the thermostat sends a signal to your AC to shut off.
- Rest Period: The air conditioner stops running, and the temperature starts creeping back up, which eventually triggers the AC to turn on again to maintain the set temperature.
This cycle repeats as long as the air temperature in your home is warmer than your thermostat’s set temperature. Now that we’ve covered how it works, let’s dive into the main question: How long should my AC run?
7 Potential Causes for Long or Short AC Cycles — And How to Fix Them
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. If you’ve ever wondered why your AC runs for hours, or maybe even noticed it shutting off too quickly, you might be dealing with one of the following issues:
1. Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the AC to work overtime to cool your space. It can also cause the AC to run longer than normal, or, in some cases, shut off prematurely due to overheating.
Fix: Change your air filter regularly — every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and the level of dust in your home.
2. Incorrect Thermostat Settings
Sometimes, the issue is a simple thermostat mishap. For example, if the fan is set to “on” instead of “auto,” your AC fan will run continuously without cycling off, as you might expect.
Fix: Check your thermostat settings and ensure they are set correctly, such as setting the fan to auto instead of on. This will help regulate your cycles and prevent your AC from running non-stop.
3. Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant levels can prevent your AC from cooling effectively, causing it to run longer in an attempt to reach the set temperature. This can also lead to icing over and eventually total breakdown.
Fix: Call a professional to check refrigerant levels and recharge if necessary.
4. Leaky Ductwork
Leaks in your ducts allow cool air to escape before it reaches the desired areas of your home, forcing your AC to keep running to compensate.
Fix: Have your ducts serviced professionally, including having them sealed to prevent air loss.
5. Oversized or Undersized AC Unit
If your AC is too large, it will cool the air too quickly and turn off prematurely, leading to humidity buildup. In contrast, if it’s too small, it will run for longer than it should, struggling to cool the space.
Fix: Have an HVAC professional evaluate whether your AC unit is appropriately sized for your home.
6. External Heat Sources
Heat from the sun, poor insulation, or even the heat generated from cooking can keep your AC running longer than it should.
Fix: Consider adding insulation or using shades to reduce heat entering your home. Think about skipping recipes that involve the oven for long periods during the summer.
7. Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can make your air conditioner think it’s hotter or colder than it actually is, leading to longer or shorter cycles.
Fix: Test the thermostat with a thermometer and, if it’s malfunctioning, replace it.
Tips for Running Your AC Efficiently
We know you’re here to find out how long your AC should run — but we’ll also throw in some tips to make sure you’re not running it longer than necessary:
- Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set it to a higher temperature when you’re not home, and cool it down just before you return.
- Seal Gaps: Make sure windows and doors are properly sealed to keep cool air inside and hot air out.
- Close Blinds or Curtains: Block the sun’s heat from entering through windows, especially during peak hours.
- Regular Maintenance: Have your AC professionally serviced once a year to keep it in tip-top shape and prevent unwanted breakdowns.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
Preventative maintenance makes a difference! As much as we love to rely on our air conditioners to rescue us from the summer heat, they need a little TLC too. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your unit running smoothly, and it can save you big on energy bills.
Not only will maintenance help improve your AC’s lifespan, but it will also ensure it runs more efficiently. By checking refrigerant levels, cleaning coils, and replacing filters, you’ll avoid the need for frequent repairs and potentially expensive replacements. Remember, a well-maintained system means fewer long cycles and a lower chance of needing to call in a professional every season.
So, How Long Should Your AC Run?
In the end, how long your AC should run depends on a few factors, but as a rule of thumb, most systems should run 15-20 minutes per cycle, kicking off once they reach the set temperature. If it’s running longer than that, there’s likely an issue to address — whether it’s a dirty filter, thermostat setting, or something more technical like refrigerant levels. If it’s running shorter, it could be a sign your system is too big for your space.
By staying on top of maintenance, being mindful of energy-efficient settings, and addressing issues promptly, you’ll keep your AC running smoothly — and you won’t be stuck wondering, how long should my AC run ever again!
Now go ahead, crank that AC up, and enjoy the cool breeze — you’ve earned it!
Call Complete Air Mechanical for AC Service in Orlando
Whether your AC is running for too long or too short, Complete Air Mechanical is here to help. Our family-owned and operated team has been serving Central Florida since 1992, providing expert HVAC services from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. No matter if you’re dealing with a unit that’s too large, a refrigerant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or simply need a good cleaning and inspection, we’ve got you covered!
If you live in Longwood, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, or Volusia, contact us today to schedule your service.
Schedule Service Online or call us at (407) 915-0144.