How Long Should My AC Run Per Day in Florida?

There is no hard and fast rule for how long your air conditioner should run per day; a lot comes down to personal comfort preferences. However, a common rule of thumb is that a well-maintained AC typically cycles for 15–20 minutes at a time, 2–3 times per hour. That said, it’s entirely normal for your AC to run longer on hotter days.

How Air Conditioning Cycles Work

Your air conditioner turns on when the temperature in your home is higher than the target temperature on your thermostat. An AC’s cooling cycle uses refrigerant to absorb heat from indoor air and release it outside while a blower fan circulates the now-cooled air throughout your home.

In order for an air conditioner to work effectively, it needs to have enough capacity to handle the cooling load demanded by your home. This is why installing the correct size AC unit is critical — an air conditioner that is too small won’t be able to achieve and maintain your target temperature, and an air conditioner that’s too big may cool faster but waste energy (and money) in the process.

Indoor Design Temperature and AC Runtime

Whenever you purchase a new air conditioner, an installation expert will recommend specific models based on your home’s square footage, local climate, number of people in the household, and other factors such as your home’s insulation, windows, sun exposure, number of stories, and more. 

One of these factors is called indoor design temperature, which is the maximum outdoor temperature at which your AC should be able to cool your home effectively. Indoor design temperature is calculated based on the average high temperatures in your location for 99% of the year. 

In Lee County, the cooling design temperature limit according to ENERGY STAR is 93°F. That means that your AC would be working at max capacity when it’s 93° outside, but it should still be able to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.

In other words, you don’t need to be worried if your AC is constantly running on a hot 93° day or if it’s struggling to cool your home on days when it’s even hotter. However, your AC may have a problem if it’s running all day long on a normal-temperature day or if it’s cycling more than a few times an hour.

Why Is My AC Running For So Long?

If you feel like your air conditioner is cycling too often or running for longer than usual, here are some reasons that can happen and how to address them. 

Thermostat Settings vs. Outside Temperature

LCEC recommends setting your thermostat to 78° in the summertime. The closer your thermostat settings are to the outside temperature, the less energy your AC will have to use to cool and dehumidify your home.

You can reduce your AC’s runtime without sacrificing your comfort by raising the thermostat when you’re out of the house. For each degree you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your utility bill. 

If it’s a particularly hot day or if you have set your thermostat much lower than the outside temperature, you should expect your AC to run longer to make up the difference.

Your AC Needs Maintenance

If your AC is running often but not cooling effectively, there are a few potential issues that could be jeopardizing your system’s performance. Many of these problems restrict airflow or limit heat transfer, making it harder for your AC to do its job:

• Dirty air filters

• Refrigerant leaks

• Dirty condenser coils

• Blocked vents or leaky ductwork

• Frozen evaporator coils

• Electrical issues

All of these AC problems can be caught early and resolved with an annual maintenance appointment. If left unchecked, they may result in system breakdowns that require more expensive repairs.

Incorrect AC Sizing or Improper Installation

HVAC sizing is a critical part of the AC installation process. Undersized air conditioners won't be able to meet your cooling needs, and oversized air conditioners won't cool your home efficiently. If it turns out that your home’s AC is undersized, that may explain why it is running too often. 

Similarly, an air conditioner that is not installed correctly will not be able to operate at full cooling capacity. Even if an AC is properly-sized, a faulty installation will make it less efficient and cost more to operate.  

Schedule a Tune-up for Your Air Conditioner

The best thing you can do to ensure your AC works correctly and isn’t running too long is to schedule routine maintenance. This service includes a complete system inspection that allows our technicians to find and correct minor issues before they escalate and negatively impact your comfort. 

We even offer an AC maintenance program that includes bi-annual system maintenance, free technical support, extended warranties on repairs, priority scheduling, a 15% discount on covered equipment, and no charges for overtime or diagnostic services. 

Contact us to schedule a full-service AC tuneup with Seven Level Services. We provide HVAC maintenance throughout Cape Coral, FL with technical expertise, punctual service, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.