And much more!
So, if you’re looking for advice on how long your air conditioner should run, keep reading our detailed guide below to get answers to all of your questions!
How Long Should An Air Conditioner Run Before Shutting Off?
An air conditioning cycle should last around 15 to 20 minutes in mild climates. If your air conditioner runs for longer than 20 minutes, you shouldn’t be alarmed, especially if it is a scorching, humid day in the summer months.
Hot and humid outside temperatures just mean your AC unit has to run longer to meet the setpoint temperature on your thermostat.
If your air conditioner runs for less than 15 minutes, this could mean it is oversized for your home, which is problematic – we’ll review exactly why later on.
What Factors Affect Air Conditioner Run Times?
The run time of your air conditioner will change every time it runs. The run time is affected by various factors that are always in motion and change, which means your AC unit may run longer on some days and shorter on other days.
Additionally, it will tend to run less in the evenings, early morning, and at night when the sun is low and down. Here are the most significant factors that affect the air conditioner’s run time.
The Thermostat’s Setpoint
The setpoint of your thermostat has a direct correlation to how long your air conditioner will run. For example, if the current temperature in your home is 79°F and you change the thermostat setting to 68°F, it will run until your home reaches that temperature.
On the other hand, if the home is 79°F and you set the thermostat to 76°F, it will run for a much shorter period than the previous example because the temperature difference is much lower.
The Outdoor Temperature And Humidity
The hotter the temperature is outdoors, the longer your air conditioning system has to work to cool your home. Additionally, if it is also very humid outside, the AC unit will have to work even longer. It takes more energy and time to remove the heat from humid air than drier air.
If your air conditioning unit runs longer than 20 minutes on hotter days, that is usually normal. The blistering outdoor sun will be competing with your air conditioners but quickly heating your home.
The good rule of thumb for homeowners to follow on hot days when an AC unit is running longer – place your hand by the vent to see if the air coming out is still cold. If the air coming through your supply vents is cold, there’s no reason to worry.
The Size Of Your Home
If you have a larger-than-average home, it may take a little longer than 20 minutes to cool completely. This is especially true if the central air conditioner is a small tonnage unit.
If you have a large home and want it to cool more quickly, consider closing the supply vents and the doors to infrequently used rooms. For example, if you have a guest bedroom that never gets used, close the vents and shut the door to let more cold air into your occupied spaces.
Since your AC system will now be cooling less space, it can now cool the rest of your home faster.
The Amount Of Natural Shade On Your Home
If your home has lots of natural shade from tall trees, they will block out direct sunlight. Depending on the time of day and position of the sun in the sky, your home may experience varying amounts of direct sunlight.
When the home gets less direct sunlight, the sun doesn’t heat it as much. Therefore, your air conditioner will be running for shorter periods during that time and will run longer when it gets more sunlight.
The Size Of Your AC Unit
The size or tonnage of your air conditioner is one of the most critical aspects of how long it will run. Your air conditioner shouldn’t be too small or too big, it should be just right.
It will cool your home too quickly if it is too large and won’t remove the excess humidity from the air. This is called short cycling and will leave your home feeling humid and sticky.
On the other hand, if the air conditioner is too small for the home, it won’t adequately cool your home. On hot days, it could run for hours straight and barely drop the temperature a single degree.
Improperly sized units might mean you need a new air conditioner altogether. To learn more about air conditioner size, check out our detailed guide here.
The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner
The efficiency or SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) partially determines how long it will take your air conditioner to cool your home. AC units with higher SEER ratings use less energy for cooling than those with lower ratings.
Although SEER ratings primarily relate to energy usage, higher SEER units tend to cool homes a bit faster.
The Amount And Quality Of Insulation
If your home does not have adequate insulation, your air conditioner will have to run longer and more often to keep up with your home’s cooling demands.
Consider a home without any insulation – the walls, the attic, and the floors are just wood and drywall. In this hypothetical example, this home with no foam boarding, fiberglass insulation, nor blown-in attic insulation would not be very good at keeping the cool air in and the hot air out.
In this case, the air conditioner would likely be running constantly. If you notice that your air conditioner is running too often, your home and air conditioning system may benefit from upgrading its insulation.
Contact one of our HVAC technicians today for an expert recommendation on insulation improvements.
Air Conditioner’s Performance and Upkeep
Another significant factor in how long your cooling system runs is its age, upkeep, and performance. As air conditioners age, their components experience wear and tear and don’t work as effectively as they did when they were brand new.
Additionally, if your air conditioner has poor upkeep, it could take longer to cool your home. For example, if the AC filter is clogged with dirt, the airflow will be inhibited, slowing the cooling process of the house and making the AC unit run longer.
Proper and routine maintenance of all air conditioning systems is necessary. Without maintenance, your air conditioner will run longer, and components can fail, necessitating a costly repair.
How Do Air Conditioner Cycles Work?
The goal of your air conditioner is to hold the temperature of your home as close to the thermostat’s setpoint as possible. Therefore, it will be running more frequently and for longer stints on hotter days to reach the desired temperature.
In ideal conditions, i.e., in mild weather, your air conditioner should cycle (or run) for 15 to 20 minutes one to three times per hour. A longer cooling cycle could signify a dirty air filter, clogged condenser, or a refrigerant leak.
Longer cycles can also be due to high outdoor temperatures and high humidity, as this will take longer for your air conditioner to counteract. Correctly sized and efficient air conditioners run longer than low-end AC units- running longer is actually more efficient and controls the humidity better.
Is It Normal For An Air Conditioner To Run All The Time?
Whether or not it’s normal for an AC unit to run all the time depends on several factors. If your air conditioner is running all the time but adequately cooling your home, there likely isn’t a problem.
If your energy bills are about the same as last year and it happens to be a hot day when you notice your AC unit running all the time, these factors further support that the air conditioner is fine.
On the flip side, if your air conditioner is running all the time but not cooling your home, the chance there’s an issue with your air conditioner is high.
When Should You Call An HVAC Specialist?
When your air conditioner seems to run forever and never reaches the setpoint on your thermostat, it’s time to call an HVAC professional for assistance.
Our experienced technicians can schedule a quick service visit to inspect and repair your air conditioning system. In no time, your AC unit will be running the proper length of time while keeping your home cool and comfortable.
What Will An HVAC Specialist Check?
When you schedule service with an HVAC specialist to inspect your air conditioner running too much, they will check and troubleshoot the following components of your system:
- Outdoor unit and condenser coils
- Refrigerant lines and evaporator coils for leaks
- Compressor
- Air filter
- Both fans and blower motors
- Refrigerant levels
Once they’ve identified the issue, they’ll suggest the best way to fix it so you can have a cool and comfortable home throughout the summer months!
