Is it wise to run your air conditioner nonstop? If you want a brief answer to this question, it’s a no. However, if you want a more detailed explanation, keep reading.
Operating your air conditioner all the time can be bad in many ways, as it can increase your electric bill and wear out your air conditioner faster. Furthermore, doing this can lead to several health problems. For example, it can dry your skin and hair and make you more susceptible to colds and the flu.
However, this case still depends on what you mean by “all the time.” After all, sometimes it’s normal for the AC to run for a while, even when the room is already cool.
When Should Your Air Conditioner Run More Than Normal?
Sometimes, it’s normal to let your AC work more than usual, especially when it’s hotter outside, particularly in summer. This is because the hotter it is, the more energy your AC unit will need to keep your home cool. The capacity for longer run times can indicate that your air conditioner is functioning well, so don’t be alarmed if you believe this is bad. But regardless, you should still hear them turn on or off, especially when not used.
When You Should Be Concerned About the Nonstop Run
There are a few indicators that there’s something wrong with your AC unit, especially when you’re always used to running it. These include:
- You never turn off your air conditioner. It’s practically always running.
- You aren’t running your air conditioner any differently despite your energy costs being over the roof.
- No matter how you set your thermostat, it doesn’t appear to change the air temperature.
What Can Cause My Air Conditioner to Work Harder Than Usual?
There are conditions wherein your air conditioner may have to work harder than usual to keep your space cool. Here are some common reasons:
Blocked Air Flow
One consistent part of the air conditioner process is the air flow because it helps to distribute the cold air evenly. If the airflow is blocked, your air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the air, which can cause it to run all the time. A few things that can block the airflow include:
- Dust and dirt accumulation on the filters
- Clogged condenser coils
- Obstructed airflow in the room
One way to test if the airflow is blocked or not is to hold out your hand and feel the air coming out of the vents. If the air is blowing strongly, the airflow is not obstructed. If the airflow is weak, the obstruction is likely causing the issue.
Dirty Evaporator Coils
Your air conditioner’s evaporator coils are where the chilly air comes from. They become less effective at producing cold air as they become filthy. As a result, the appliance will have to work harder and consume more energy, raising your monthly electric bill.
Furthermore, dirty evaporator coils will blow off warmer air instead of cooling the room. This is because dirty coils will not be able to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant as it circulates. This will make your AC unit work harder to reach the desired temperature.
Refrigerant Leak
A refrigerant is an important fluid for transferring heat and producing cold air. If your AC unit is insufficient refrigerant, it cannot make cold air efficiently.
In addition, a refrigerant leak can cause your AC unit to freeze up. This is because the unit will not be able to release the heat absorbed by the refrigerant. As a result, the coils will freeze, and the AC unit will stop working.
Wrong Air Conditioner Size
You might think all AC units in the market, regardless of their sizes, can cool the same way. However, that is not the case because different air conditioners are designed to cool different-sized spaces. If you invest in an AC unit that is too small for your room, it cannot cool the area effectively.
Meanwhile, if you choose an AC unit that is too big for your room, it will often turn on and off and be unable to cool the space adequately. You will pay more for electricity because of this.
Old AC Unit
Let’s face it: air conditioners aren’t meant to last forever and grow old with you. Like any other appliance, there will come a time when your air conditioner will break down. And even though you have been maintaining your old AC, as long as it’s more than ten years old, it is likely not as energy efficient as it could be. It’ll cost you more money to operate.
In fact, most AC units that receive constant maintenance last up to more than 15 years. This means it may be time for a replacement. A new AC unit will use less energy and have a warranty, which can save you money if something goes wrong with it.
Tips for Running Your AC System
Like all appliances, it’s always best to take care of your air conditioner to last longer and run more efficiently. If you observe the signs mentioned above, you can avoid high electricity bills and quick degradation of your AC system. But of course, you can remember these suggestions to keep your AC unit in tip-top shape:
Only Run Your AC When Needed
As mentioned earlier, it would be essential if you only turned on the AC when needed. This is because AC units use a lot of energy, so it’s best to use them when it’s hot outside. Regular use of your AC will wear it down quicker, so giving it some time off is important. Additionally, you may adjust the temperature of your air conditioner based on your routines, such as the times of day when you regularly leave the house.
Keep Up With AC Services and Maintenance
Never ignore a faulty AC system. After all, neglecting regular AC services and maintenance can lead to bigger and more expensive problems in the future. Schedule regular tune-ups with a qualified HVAC technician, and keep an eye out for any potential issues to improve the efficiency of your AC.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not to continually operate an air conditioner is a complex question. It revolves around several variables, such as the weather, the kind of air conditioner, and how much energy it uses.
Overall, it is probably best to run an air conditioner continuously if it is a central air conditioner that cools more than one room. When a room is not in use, it is typically advisable to switch off the air conditioner located there.
HVAC Swami is a small group of HVAC experts helping homeowners by providing up-to-date information about the latest HVAC systems, AC unit installation, proper ventilation, and air conditioner tips. Browse through our website today to learn more!
