Question about air conditioning?

Question

We are in the middle of a heat wave with temperatures a record high for at least one week. I really hate when it is hot. So I leave my a/c on non stop, even when I'm at work so I won't have to come home to a hot house. I know everyone is saying my electricity bill is going to be high. But its worth it to me long as Iam not hot. It only gets hot like this where I'm from only in june and july. so thats like 2 months out the year I have to pay extra for my electricity. but anyway my question is: can my a/c burn out from never turning it off even though its in good condition. Serious answers only.

Answer 1

it will eventually... just as what others say, you can turn it off at night sometimes when the breeze is cold. then, sometimes use fans for alternative... just to make the AC rest. then, AC usually needs quarterly general cleaning, not only the filters but everything,... because during the process, technicians usually get it checked for some probable damage or problems in your unit... God bless! c",)

Answer 2

Your air conditioner should be sized to adequately cool the house. It should cycle during the heat of the day. Now there are a lot of variables of course like insulation, window leakage, opening and closing of the doors, etc. etc. Now if the unit doesn't cycle on a real hot day, as long as the refrigerant level is correct and everything is working properly, it won't do much damage to anything running for long periods of time. The refrigerant actually helps keep the compressor cool, so the compressor is actually designed for long run times. If anything, keep the t-stat set where you are comfortable, and let it go. Keep the windows closed to not let in any humidity, because the A/C will just have to take the humidity back out. Hopefully soon, this heat wave will go away!!! Good luck!

Answer 3

Running the A/C unit, 24/7 is not good for it and can lead to premature damage. Depending on the temperature, the size of your place, and the capacity of the A/C unit, it may not be adequate to keep the place cool.

I'd try to find a balance where the A/C doesn't run all the time, but keeps you comfortable. It will definitely help the A/C unit last longer. To help, use box fans to keep the air in the house moving - it helps make it feel cooler. Also monitor the outside temperature. If it's cool at night outside, then turn the A/C to a higher temp and use fans to draw the cool outside air inside. It can make a huge difference in keeping the place cool.

Answer 4

I don't see a problem with that as long as you keep everything maintained and clean, also i would like to suggest keeping the t-stat set at the fan on position opposed to the auto setting. this will keep the blower running continuously and it will give you a better average temperature throughout your house. also when the thermostat is satisfied and your a/c unit shuts off the evaporater coil on your furnace is still cold and you are not wasting that. the blower motor running continuously isn't gonna break the bank, its the condenser outside that costs the most to operate. and the less it cycles the better off you will be.
also previously stated about freezing the coil up is wrong .in order for that to happen you would have to have no airflow , a refrigerant leak, possibly a bad metering device or running the a/c in low ambient temperatures without some form of head pressure control which generally isn't a problem in residential systems.

Answer 5

Yes but its very unlikely. Air conditions are usually very reliable, but i recommend that you turn the air conditioner on lower when you leave for work so that it's not running as much. Also, if you live alone, you should consider getting a window unit so you can turn the air conditioner off for the rest of the house and still stay cool in your bedroom and you can save tons of money on electricity.

Answer 6

That sound OK to me. I live in a hot area also and leave mine on (around 78) all day, and turn it a little lower when I get in from work. The problem with turning it up, or even off when your not home is that when you get home and turn it on it will run for hours on end without turning off. I anticipate you bill may be only slightly higher than those that turn theirs off.

Answer 7

Wow alot of answers but how about this one get a new digital themostat that is programmable then you can set it to turn down an hour before you get home. thermostats have gotten cheaper for about 40 bucks you can sovle your troubles set at what your comfy with when your home and up about 10 degrees when you not automatically

Answer 8

YES, you can bur it out, if it constantly running. what it does, if it is running all the time, the COOLING SYSTEM. EVENTUALLY WILL FREEZE. then all you have running is the fan. the COILED WILL FREEZE it will work overtime, and if you do not shut it off. the MOTOR WILL BURN.
your breaker in your house will cut off. but, your air con. will not work no more. be care full. shut it off at least for several hours given it a rest. and just drink JAMAICAN RUM to stay cool for couple of hours, take CARE.

Answer 9

If it is set so high that it doesn't kick on and off the unit will freeze up and you won't get any cool air from it till it defrosts! It should be set at a temp so that it will kick off then it will keep the ice defrosted! same thing with refrigerators!

Answer 10

Alex is right. Sparky (and others with the "will freeze up" answers ) is F.O.S. A/C's are designed for continuous duty which means that they can be run non-stop. If your cooling needs only span a 90-day period I wouldn't worry about it. Good luck.