Should an Air Conditioner Run All Day?

Those long, sunlit summer days can quickly be marred by overbearing heat and humidity. Many people living in hot climates regularly use air conditioning units to make the temperature bearable and so that they can enjoy the weather without feeling oppressed by the sun. If the heat becomes too much, then should an air conditioner run all day? Although it may be tempting to seek a reprieve from the sweltering heat, that doesn’t mean it’s beneficial for you or your AC. 
 

Is It Safe to Leave the Air Conditioner on All Day? 

Primarily, this is the concern for most people when they wonder whether they can leave the AC running all day. Typically, leaving your air conditioning unit on all day is not going to cause any electrical disasters. It’s unlikely to cause a fire or break down in a way that would injure anyone. However, although these things don’t generally happen, there is always the possibility. So it’s important to be considerate of these factors when leaving your air conditioner on for the day.
 

Will My Bills Skyrocket if I Leave the AC on?

Another aspect to consider when leaving your AC on is how it will affect your electricity bills. Sadly, there is not a simple answer to this question as it depends on your home, general electricity consumption and the model of your air conditioner. Usually, you will be provided with information when you purchase the machine that will detail how energy efficient your model is. This information can help you make an informed decision as to whether it’s cost effective to leave the AC on.
 

How Will This Affect Power in my Neighbourhood?

Depending on where you live will depend on how much usage your local grid can take before it is more likely to trip. When it’s hot, you’re likely to see lots of households blasting their air conditioning which isn’t great for the neighbourhood power supply. Being sparing means that you’re less likely to lose power and anyone in your neighborhood with vulnerable people will still be able to take advantage of their air conditioning unit.

Sometimes, the answer to this question is to think of others and the position that they would be put in if the neighborhood was to lose power.

Coping with the Heat 

Naturally, using an air conditioner all day will make it easier for anyone to deal with the heat. If you have children, pets, or elderly relatives to look after, then it’s wise to leave it on during the day. Pets specifically won’t be able to verbally tell you that they are hot, and, with the extra layer of fur, their tolerance is different from their human counterparts.

If you’re going through a heatwave, then blasting the air conditioner may make it much more bearable. It’s a good idea to climatize as much as possible to your environment, but if the heat is at a dangerous level for yourself or anyone else, then leaving the air conditioner on all day isn’t a problem.

So before leaving your AC on to run all day, consider the variables that may affect your neighbourhood, household, bills, and your safety before leaving the unit on for an extended period.