Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Carney, OK

If you have central air conditioning, it’s fine to run your AC all day if that’s what you want—as long as the AC unit is in good condition. But if your AC runs constantly when you don’t want it to, there may be a problem with your system (like the ones we’ve mentioned above). Window AC units and wall air conditioners aren’t as powerful as central AC, so you should only run those kinds of air conditioners for eight to 12 hours at a time.

There are several AC unit problems to troubleshoot, but luckily you can identify them by keeping a close eye on your system. Look out for the following signs that your AC needs repair:

• Unusual noises during operation

• AC unit blows warm air

• AC unit doesn’t come on or turn off with temperature changes

• Strange odors come through the vents

• AC unit cycles on and off rapidly

• Indoor air is more humid or less comfortable than usual

• AC unit keeps tripping your breaker

• Fan in the outdoor compressor doesn’t operate when the AC is on

The simplest indicator is how long it’s been since your last tune-up. You should schedule an annual AC tune-up each spring. Beyond that, there are multiple signs that your AC needs a quick check by a professional. These issues include higher-than-average energy bills, decreased air flow from vents, higher indoor temperatures, and an air conditioning unit that stays on all the time or frequently turns on and off.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours.