Is it okay to run a window air conditioner non stop?

Question

My mom thinks you need to turn them off after so many hours and let them rest????

Answer 1

Depending on the make, model, and price point, as well as the age of the unit, it should have some type of temp control built into the system,,,IE: Thermostat.

That device allows the unit to operate in cooling the room to a temp you set. Once that temp is reached the AC shuts down, or at the very least goes into a fan mode to circulate the air.

Then depending on other factors such as insulation, leaving the door to your room open, other appliances operating that give off heat, your personal activities while in the room, the AC unit will come on again,,,using the refrig compressor, to bring the room back down to the preset temp.

Turning it off to "let it REST" is something you can do if you aren't going to be in the room for any extended period, or the the balance of the house is being air conditioned, BUT completely shutting it down and restarting it will have as much an adverse effect/affect on the unit. It will have to work harder if your room temp rises to temps similar to exterior temps, which will eventually wear out the unit.

Rev. Steven

Not knowing your situation, perhaps it's a budget issue?

Answer 2

Yes. It is okay. It is better to let the air conditioner break down and get another one than to be overcome by excessive heat. If you must turn them off, do so after dark when the sun goes down and leave the window open for air, provided that the window is not accessible from the ground by intruders.

Answer 3

Not a problem ... You can run it for as long as your wallet can stand it ...lol.. just be sure to check it , when it's very humid ( they tend to ice up , cutting off the air flow - If this happens , shut it off, and let the frost on the coils melt off ; about 15 - 20 minutes should do it )
and check your filter often ; it can clog with dust rather quickly. If it
gets too much dust deposited on it , it will restrict your air flow. Simply pull it out, and rinse it under the faucet , first one side, then the other.
You can then rub your hand lightly over the filter, and the deposits will bunch right up . remove them, and put the filter back in , and you're good to go , foe another week or so ....

Answer 4

You should not turn off the a/c or heat when you leave the house for a day or two. The unit would use more electricity trying to recool/heat the house for the time gone. Just let it run and cool that house down. Once you get your house to the temperature that you want> leave it there.

Answer 5

Window units last 2-3 years maximum as a rule. Run them day and night if you like--but every month, stop them for 1-2 hours, go outside and spray with hose nozzle to clean. Clean inside filter every 2 weeks.

Answer 6

You can run it non stop- if something heats up it will kick off the breaker. Like all things mechanical the more you use it , the faster it wears out.

Answer 7

Hi,,, yes it is ok to let them run, but what I do, is early in the morning while it is cool is to turn mine off a while,, and clean the filter ,,,,, then later turn it back on.....

good luck

Answer 8

i don't think it will but it will break down faster as a whole to wear out faster over all you'll have to bye a new one allot sooner but if that's not a problem then go for it it comes down to would you rather be comfortable now or have money later

Answer 9

yes I would let them rest also that way the fan doesn't get overworked and it won't freeze up and saves on the elec. bill !!