Yes, you can operate your air conditioning unit 24/7.
If you want to keep your home cool during hot dry summers, the temptation is there to operate the cooling system continuously. The ac unit can keep the family members cool in the selected living space.
The thermostat must not be set at too low a temperature as the unit will operate for longer which leads to more wear of the components and increased energy usage.
Is it safe to leave your air conditioner running 24 hours a day?
Modern air conditioners have many integral safety features. Should there be any issues with the system, the ac unit will shut down automatically to prevent any further damage.
What impact will running air conditioning for 24 hours have?
By operating your air conditioner for extended periods, you can maintain the space temperature at a constant level. In times of extreme heat, this can be beneficial to have cool air in your house at all times. Oppressive temperature at night can be alleviated by maintaining the desired temperature at all times.
Increased wear and tear of the unit
Continually running your air conditioner will increase wear and tear on your unit. Notably:
- the lifespan of the bearings in the motors in the air con will be reduced.
- the air filters will require more frequent cleaning.
- other factors will be increased maintenance costs and possibly repair bills.
Other items to consider are:
- higher electricity bills
- continuous running of your ac unit will deliver cool air continuously, however, it will come at a cost.
- if you have a undersized unit, it will struggle to cool the house at any particular time.
Our tip: if you do want to leave your air conditioner running continuously – consider raising the set point (in cooling) as every degree higher in set point will reduce run-time – leading to reduced wear and tear and power consumption.
Higher energy consumption & bills
Constant running of your air con will lead to high energy bills and increased regular maintenance costs. Electric motors require energy to operate. Should these be operating continuously, the energy costs will increase accordingly due to considerable wasted energy.
More air conditioner maintenance and cleaning required
As with your car, machines need regular maintenance. Your air conditioner is no different and increased operation will lead to higher maintenance frequencies. The air filter will require cleaning more often. A clogged air filter or semi clogged air filter in your air conditioner will adversely affect the operation of the cooling system which, in turn, tends towards wasted energy.
Continuous operation is not recommended due to the increased costs involved.
Higher probability of frozen evaporator coils
If you air conditioner is set for constant running there is the potential for clogged or semi clogged air filters. If this occurs, there is the potential for the evaporator coil to ice up.
This can lead to the following:
- potential for water leaks
- the air conditioner will not be running efficiently.
- the temperature in the room may not get down to the thermostat set point.
- the space temperature will not achieve the desired temperature.
- mechanical damage to the air conditioner.
Quick tips for running your air conditioner continuously
- check that the house has ceiling insulation
- do not operate appliances such as clothes dryers in the conditioned space
- ensure all windows and doors are kept closed
- close all curtains and blinds
- the system will operate more efficiently and energy efficient if the ingress of heat is reduced as much as possible.
- if you are operating the cooling cycle all the time, ensure the maintenance is conducted regularly.
How often will I need to service my air conditioner if I run it 24/7?
This will be dependent on the unit operation to maintain the required conditions in the house. If the system is set to operate continuously, then the filters will need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The indoor and outdoor coils will need to be checked also. This could vary from a weekly inspection to monthly.
Can constant AC operation impact indoor air quality?
A correctly operating ac unit will lower the temperature as well as the humidity as well as filtering the air. It should not adversely affect the air quality.
In Summary
Can you run an air conditioner 24 7? Yes, you can, however, you should be aware of whay may occur to your air conditioner if you run your air conditioner 24 7.
Pros:
- The conditioned areas will stay cool regardless of the ambient conditions as long as the air conditioner is not undersized.
- Your ac unit is designed to create comfort conditions in your residence by removing any warm air and associated humidity
Cons:
- Dependent on the energy efficiency of the system, the electricity bills will increase
- the air conditioner life span can be reduced
- increased maintenance costs
- increased repair costs
Get a free quote on air conditioning servicing in Brisbane
Concerned about your air conditioner after heavy usage? Contact our expert air conditioning team for an obligation-free inspection or servicing quote in Brisbane today.
Learn more about common issues people have with air conditioners
Having trouble with your air conditioning and can’t quite figure out what the problem is? There could be a few reasons why it’s not working as well as it used to, and in our experience, these are the most common culprits:
- Air conditioner unit is frozen or icing up
- Air conditioner unit is leaking water
- Air conditioner heat mode is not working
- Air conditioner isn’t turning on
- Air conditioner is making loud buzzing noises
- Ducted air conditioner isn’t working in all rooms
- Air conditioner smells
- Air conditioner is sweating inside
- Air conditioner is blowing hot air
- Air conditioner keeps turning off
What are most air conditioner breakdowns caused by?
Air conditioning units can stop working for a number of different reasons, but most breakdowns stem from a few common issues. Whether it’s a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, or an electrical malfunction, these problems can reduce efficiency and even cause complete failure. Below are the most frequent reasons AC units break down.
- AC breakdown caused by electrical problems
- PCB faults
- Faulty air conditioner compressor that needs replacing
- Faulty air conditioner capacitor that needs replacing
- Faulty air conditioner condenser that needs replacing
- Faulty air conditioner evaporator coil that needs replacing
- Air conditioner pipe insulation that needs replacing
There are many more reasons your air conditioner may not be working, and our first step with any repair job is to diagnose the issue with an initial inspection.