Is It Normal for AC To Run All Day in Ocala, Florida?

Turn to Fast Air Repair for reliable, efficient home cooling and heating in the Ocala area. Make an appointment for air conditioning service by calling (352) 290-7968.

Extreme temperatures in the Ocala, Florida, area aren’t unusual. For much of the year, the average high temperature climbs into the 80s, and in the summer, the average outdoor temperature rarely dips below 90 degrees. Considering the usually high humidity, it’s common for residents to ask, “Is it normal for AC to run all day?”

As the leaders in AC repair in Ocala, the crew from Fast Air Repair receives many calls from local homeowners wondering if they can let their air conditioners run nonstop. While there may be the occasional day or two where the unit has to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature due to excessively high heat and humidity, it’s not ideal for the air conditioning to stay on all day, every day. When this happens, it could indicate a problem with the system that requires professional attention. 

This guide will help you cool your home without driving up power bills or putting unnecessary wear and tear on the air conditioner. 

How Air Conditioners Work 

To understand why allowing the air conditioner to run all the time isn’t a good idea, you need to understand the basics of how the system works. 

Central air conditioning systems have two units, one inside and one outdoors. The outdoor unit has a compressor and condenser, which control the flow of refrigerant through a series of coils. The indoor unit has an evaporator and blower. 

When the air conditioning runs, the indoor unit pulls in warm air from the room, which flows through an air filter. The air passes over the evaporator coils, which absorb the heat, and then the blower pushes the cool air back out into your home. The gas inside the coil that contains the heat flows back outside, where the compressor and condenser transfer the heat outdoors.

 

This process occurs in cycles. Ideally, the cycle begins when the thermostat senses that the indoor temperature exceeds the desired setting. This triggers the air conditioner to turn on and run as long as necessary to remove the heat and bring the temperature down to the thermostat setting. This typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, at which point the air conditioner shuts off until the thermostat triggers the next cycle. 

So, is it normal for AC to run all day? Although most units will run through several cycles per hour, if it doesn’t complete a cycle and just keeps pushing out cool air continuously, something is wrong with the unit.

Why Running the Air Conditioner Constantly Isn’t Ideal 

When the temperatures get blisteringly hot outside, keeping the air on constantly to cool your home probably seems ideal. Again, there may be days when the air conditioning might not keep up with the demand and will run longer than usual. 

However, if it runs all the time, meaning all day, every day, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Consequences include:

• Exorbitant energy bills
• Excess wear and tear on your HVAC equipment 
• Damage to the air conditioner due to frozen condenser coils or clogged air filters 
• Poor indoor air quality

Setting the air conditioner to run constantly most likely won’t directly harm the unit, but the wear and tear on the mechanical components can cause breakdowns. 

The Most Common Reasons for an Air Conditioner To Run All Day 

If you notice longer or seemingly endless cycles when the air conditioning runs, you likely have one of the following problems: 

Poor Maintenance

Scheduling an annual tune-up with an HVAC professional ensures that all the mechanical components in your system stay in good working condition and will provide optimal performance. During a maintenance call, a technician will inspect and clean all the major parts of the air conditioner, lubricate moving parts, change filters, and test the system to ensure it works perfectly. This should lower the likelihood of any trouble. 

Restricted Airflow 

If something blocks the flow of cool air from the unit, it will run longer to reach your desired temperature. A dirty air filter, clogged or closed vents, damage to the blower, or ductwork issues can all restrict airflow.

Incorrect Unit Size 

An air conditioner unit that’s too small for your home will struggle to keep producing enough cool air and have to run longer.

Duct Problems 

Undersized ducts can also prevent an adequate amount of cool air from flowing into your home, forcing the air conditioner to run longer. Leaks or a buildup of debris can also affect airflow. 

Dirty Evaporator or Condenser Coils 

When dirt and debris accumulate on the coils inside the indoor or outdoor unit, it can block the exchange of heat and reduce efficiency.

Thermostat Settings 

Setting the thermostat too low can overwork the air conditioner, which will keep running until it reaches the right temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can also result in an overworked air conditioner. 

Excess Heat and Humidity Indoors 

If your home feels overly hot or humid, then the air conditioner will have to work harder. Using heat-generating appliances, not closing the curtains during the hottest parts of the day, and leaving windows or doors open will force the unit to work harder. Inadequate insulation can also allow heat inside and put a strain on the air conditioner.

How To Keep Your Home Cool Without Overworking the Air Conditioner

The answer to “Is it normal for AC to run all day?” is usually “no.” So, what can you do to reduce strain on your unit and reduce power bills while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature?

Keep reading to learn a few things you can do to help maintain efficiency and a cool home. 

• Schedule annual maintenance and tune-up appointments with an HVAC professional to help keep everything in tip-top condition.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air, which can help the room feel cooler. Make sure to use the summer setting so the blades don't push warm air down into the space.
• Change the air filter regularly; in most homes, this means putting in a new filter at least every 60 to 90 days or more often if you have pets or smokers in your home. 
• Invest in a programmable thermostat that you can set to a higher temperature during the day when you’re not home, so the air conditioner doesn’t run constantly to cool unoccupied spaces. 
• Hang light-blocking window treatments to keep rooms cooler during the hottest parts of the day. 
• Evaluate your insulation to ensure it effectively blocks hot air from entering your home. 

Keep Your Ocala, FL, Home Comfortable With Reliable Air Conditioning Services From Fast Air Repair 

If you notice the AC not cooling your home or it seems to kick on more often than usual, call Fast Air Repair to have a technician investigate and find the source of the issue. Even if the system doesn’t require major repairs, our team can provide some helpful tips to keep energy bills in check, reduce wear on the unit, and maintain a perfect temperature.

Ultimately, while the air conditioner might run more often, or even continuously, on a scorching hot Florida day, the answer to “Is it normal for AC to run all day?” is no. 

Whenever you have air conditioning trouble, Fast Air Repair is ready to help, day or night. Call (352) 290-7968 to request service from the number one HVAC company in the Ocala, FL, area.