A central air conditioner can cool the entire house. The primary unit is usually installed in the attic, and ductwork distributes the cool air throughout your home. A central air conditioner requires electricity to function effectively and efficiently. What is the underlying factor? There is a slew of variables determining how long your air conditioner can run without interruption.
Factors to Consider
The first factor to consider is the AC’s size. Larger air conditioners can cool a home more efficiently, requiring more electricity. Large air conditioners also require more frequent maintenance because of the increased wear and tear on their components. because larger units are naturally stronger, they are able to run longer in comparison to smaller units meant to cool one room.
Your desired temperature range for your home will also determine how long you can run your AC. Continuously running systems consumes more electricity for heating in the winter than cooling in the summer. You’ll want to check the insulation levels in your attic and walls. With better insulation, less cold air can escape from your home, lowering your cooling requirements.
The prevailing electric rates for your utility company may come into play as well. Turning off your air conditioner in the early morning or late at night will save you money if electricity bills are higher during peak demand hours. Make sure the ducts, as well as the connections to adjacent units, are thoroughly insulated and sealed. Leaky ducts can lead to inefficient and costly cooling.
AC unit care is also an important factor to take into consideration. Unmaintained air conditioners perform less efficiently, causing the unit to work harder and ultimately costing you more money.
Seasonal cycles in your area are also important. A large unit may not be necessary if you live in a climate where the winters are mild and you can cool the room enough with a small unit. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of the systems you’re evaluating tells you how effective they are. The higher the SEER value, the more efficient the unit is.
How Long Can You Actually Run Your Unit?
If the temperature outside is less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit and electricity costs are reasonable, an air conditioner can run continuously for five to seven days/nights, assuming the ductwork is well-insulated. As a result of the high cost of electricity and the lack of adequate insulation, shorter operating times are advised.
In summer, air conditioning is most in demand and winter is when it’s least. And no one wants to live in an uncomfortably warm house, so we tend to keep our air conditioners running.
How Long Can This Go On?
There are some additional factors that you can consider to answer this. To figure out how many hours your air conditioner will operate constantly, you’ll need to understand the various terms used in the industry. The most critical terms are SEER, EER, and COP.
The cooling load refers to how much electricity your air conditioner utilizes, expressed in kilowatts per month. The more work your air conditioner has to do, the more money it costs to run it. Air conditioners with the highest SEER ratings are the most energy-efficient, using less power to achieve the same cooling results. Cooling your home with less electricity saves you money.
Energy-efficient air conditioners also save you money on your utility bills and protect your home and property from damage. You should buy air conditioners with SEER ratings ranging from mid-high to the highest available in your budget range. Selecting ACs with better SEER ratings and/or lower cooling loads will save you a lot of money. In general, the more money you invest in a new air conditioner and related cooling equipment, the less money you’ll have to shell out over time.
Before deciding, the amount of money it will take to pay for the power used by a five or seven-day continuous usage is considered. Using your air conditioner seven days a week can also have an environmental impact, so keep that in mind. Keep your monthly utility expenses low by ensuring that your HVAC system is running at its full efficiency.
To have the job done well, you’ll want an AC specialist with a lot of experience and knowledge. If you need more information about ACs and installation, Bone Heating & Cooling is available to help. We offer heating and cooling services, as well as indoor air quality solutions and maintenance visits. We proudly serve Festus and surrounding areas. Call us with questions or to schedule an appointment today!
