How Long Should an AC Cooling Cycle Last in Downtown Las Vegas, NV & What Causes Long Cycles?

Do you think your air conditioner is running too long? Ideally, a properly operating air conditioner should cycle for roughly 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times per hour. Longer cooling cycles often point to a problem somewhere in the cooling system. Noticing that your air conditioner is running for longer periods of time is an important symptom to watch for. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning will cover how long an air conditioner should run and what can cause longer cooling cycles.

How Long Should AC Run Before Shutting Off?

Depending on the size of the home and how many units it has, the cooling cycle time will vary. However, on average, a cooling cycle should last about 15 to 20 minutes and the air conditioner should end its cycle by shutting down. An air conditioner will also run a cycle around 2 to 3 times in one hour. If an air conditioner is running longer than 15 to 20 minute and more than 33 times in a single day, your air conditioner has a problem. If your air conditioner has longer and or more cooling cycles, you will want to take steps in correcting the problem. In some cases the corrections are simple and something you can do yourself. Other times you may need the help of an HVAC technician.

What Causes Long Cooling Cycles

Heatwaves: Before you become overly concerned about your air conditioner, if you are experiencing a heatwave like we often do here in Nevada, your air conditioner will work a bit longer and tend to run one or two extra cooling cycles than what is normal. However, during a heatwave, you should do everything to help your air conditioner out. Meaning you should stay on stop of your air filters and keep them clean. Consider keeping the indoor temperature slightly warmer by two to three degrees if you can handle it. By reducing the stress on your air conditioner during a heatwave, you will help prevent premature wear and tear and other failures.
Air Flow: When the air conditioner develops an air flow restriction, this will cause the cooling system to work harder and run longer. Air flow restrictions can be found in a number of different areas of the cooling system. First, there can be air flow restrictions in the air vent and the air filter. All air vents should be open throughout the entire home. Additionally, check the air filters and keep them clean. Two other areas where air flow restrictions occur are in the coils. There is the condenser coil and the evaporator coil. Both coils can become very dirty which prevents air flow and will also interfere with the cooling of the air. The coils must be cleaned by an HVAC technician to restore a proper and more efficient cooling system.
Electrical: Lastly, an air conditioner can develop electrical problems that can force the air conditioner to keep running, especially if the air conditioner’s contactor is stuck to the closed position. This means the power will continue to flow through, forcing the air conditioner to keep running. You will need to have the contactor replaced or cleaned.

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If your air conditioner is running longer cooling cycles or experiencing other problems, have an HVAC technician come and look at your air conditioner. For quality HVAC services, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.