On a 100° or hotter day, sometimes, the only relief you can get is by staying indoors. Your air conditioner better be up and running, or you may find yourself uncomfortable fast.
However, you may be unsure how long you should continue to run your AC without reducing your system’s efficiency. Taking care of your air conditioner unit is crucial if you hope to make it through the hottest months without having to pay for AC repairs or purchasing a new system altogether.
How Your AC Functions
It might surprise you to learn that air conditioning units operate through cycles. This means the air conditioner will kick on and turn off to maintain the temperature you set on your thermostat. Most AC cycles will take about 20 minutes to complete.
However, cycles may run longer when the outdoor temperature is 100° or hotter. This is because the outdoor temperature will make it more difficult for the AC unit to maintain your desired indoor temperature.
Factors Impacting How Long You Run Your AC on a 100-Degree Day
Multiple factors could have an impact on how long you should run your AC unit on a 100° or hotter day. Some of the top factors include:
- What you set your thermostat at – The lower the temperature you set your thermostat at, the longer your AC cycles will run. Most manufacturers recommend setting systems at no less than 78°F, as lower settings will likely dramatically increase your electric bill.
- Whether your home has proper installation – Without proper installation, cool air will escape your home and require your AC to overwork itself.
- How big your AC unit is – If the AC unit you are using is too small, the system will need to run longer or continuously to maintain your desired temperature. This could reduce the lifespan of your unit and fail to keep your indoor temperature cool during these exceedingly hot days.
You Do Not Necessarily Need a Bigger AC Unit
Many renters and homeowners wonder whether purchasing a larger AC unit is a good idea. This is particularly true when you live in a hot climate, as we see in Arizona and Nevada. Most central AC units are designed based on the size of the home.
This will help to ensure the home is efficient 98% of the time. However, if you purchase a larger system, it may be inefficient 98% of the time, which could ultimately cost you more money and reduce the lifespan of your unit. Instead, go with an air conditioning system built with your home size in mind so you can save money and comfortably afford preventative maintenance instead of having to purchase a new system.
How to Make Your AC Unit More Efficient
Here are some of our top tips to keep your home cool without destroying your air conditioning unit this summer:
Control Heat Sources and Sunlight
You may not be able to control the temperature outdoors, but you can control the amount of sun that is light into your home and how much heat is given off indoors. Make sure you use sun-blocking curtains on the sunny sides of your home during the summer months.
If at all possible, avoid cooking inside. Use your outdoor barbecue so that heat is not trapped within your home. You should also dry your clothes and set the dishwasher to run at night when the outdoor temperature is cooler. This will allow your AC to run shorter cooling cycles, boosting its efficiency and lifespan.
Close Off Unused Rooms and Adjust the Thermostat
Keep your air conditioner most efficient by closing off any rooms you are not using. Not only should you close the doors, but do not forget to close the vents. There is no point in keeping rooms cool when you are not going to be using them.
Remember to adjust your thermostat and bump the temperature up a couple of degrees on 100°+ hotter days so your system does not have to work as hard.
Other Ways to Optimize Your AC Performance
If you are hoping to optimize your air conditioning units performance during 100° days, here are some of the top ways to do so:
- Regularly check your thermostat settings and keep the temperature higher when you are not at home so your system does not need to work as hard
- Obtain regular AC maintenance, and have a professional check out your system before the peak summer months
- Find out whether your home has the proper installation and take steps to get your home well-insulated before the 100° days
It Is Crucial to Maintain Your AC Unit
When your home has a central air conditioning system, it is important to take proper preventative maintenance measures. You should contact Ambient Edge for a maintenance check-up annually. Be sure to schedule your appointment before the hottest summer months to ensure your unit is functioning and capable of maintaining your desired temperature on 100° or hotter days.
If we have multiple 100°+ days, it may be a good idea to get your AC unit checked later in the season as well so you are prepared for the winter months and ready to make necessary repairs or purchase a new system before the following summer if needed.
If you are not ready to hire our professional AC repair team, make sure you are regularly checking your unit’s filters. Clean filters allow cooler air to flow through your home without being obstructed. This increases the system’s efficiency and should reduce energy costs. The hottest summer months are one of the best times to replace air filters to ensure your home’s indoor temperature is optimal.
When to Call an AC Repair Professional
If you notice your air conditioner is running continuously or longer than usual, it may be in your best interest to call our AC repair team at Ambient Edge. Our experts can analyze your unit, diagnose the problem, and make necessary repairs to get your AC up and running as soon as possible.
While multiple factors could impact how long you should run your air conditioner on a 100° day, by taking advantage of our preventative maintenance services and utilizing your AC unit properly, you can prolong its lifespan. When you need an AC repair team you can count on, look no further than our pros at Ambient Edge. Complete our quick contact form or call us for a flat-rate estimate today.