Is It Bad To Keep Turning Your AC On and Off in Rincon, GA?

Spring and autumn bring so many temperature fluctuations, you’ll think up is down and vice versa. “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute,” is a popular Georgia saying for a reason. It’s no wonder you flip-flop between running your air conditioner and cutting it off. 

But is it bad to keep turning the AC on and off? Georgia Air Conditioning & Heating Repair is the trusted team for AC repair in Rincon, GA, and we’ve seen it all. Our technicians answer this question below and provide tips for better comfort. 

How Long Should Cooling Cycles Usually Last?

Cooling systems ideally work for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time. However, it isn’t uncommon for a homeowner to cut a cycle short when the atmosphere feels too brisk for comfort. Is it bad to keep turning the AC on and off, though?

Occasionally, triggering a shorter cycle isn’t that bad. However, habitually doing so harms the energy efficiency of the AC system. It can also damage internal components over time, as you’ll discover below. 

Why You Might Make Frequent Adjustments To Your Air Conditioner in Rincon, Georgia

If you frequently change your thermostat settings, you could inadvertently cause your AC to cycle too often. While the urge is understandable when temperatures fluctuate between warm and cool, it’s essential to take a deeper look at what’s making you feel uncomfortable. 

Excess Humidity

Early autumn and late spring bring pleasant weather to Rincon, Georgia. However, humidity plays a starring role in how you perceive the temperature. If your home has too much moisture, you’ll feel warmer than the temperature reads. 

Little Air Movement

Is it bad to keep turning the AC on and off? Stagnant air can make a room feel warmer than usual, which may prompt you to make some adjustments to your thermostat. Sometimes, simply turning your thermostat to “FAN ON” can circulate air and provide some relief without initiating a complete cooling cycle. 

Too Much Heat

Although outdoor temperatures may feel pleasant enough, your indoor environment might not feel the same. Sunlight and the number of trees you have surrounding your property can also impact indoor temperatures. Additionally, a poorly placed thermostat may measure a warmer temperature due to sunlight hitting it, triggering more cooling cycles than you would like. 

Is It Bad To Keep Turning Your AC On and Off?

You have plenty of reasons to reach for the thermostat again and again. However, repeatedly starting and stopping cycles can be bad because:

• It spikes your energy usage, leading to expensive utility bills. Forcing cycles to start and stop eats into your utility usage because air conditioners need more power to start a cycle than to run it. 
• It can result in AC compressor damage, and replacement services come with a hefty price tag. Compressors can cost over $2,500 to replace. 
• The constant AC system wear and tear will eventually lead to full-system failure. The start of cycles wreaks more havoc than any other normal function on air conditioners. Frequent startups can contribute to premature system failure. 

Is it bad to keep turning your AC on and off? Not only is it bad, but it’s incredibly expensive! 

Staying Comfortable Without HVAC Wear and Tear

So, what can you do to stay comfortable during seasonal shifts? Our technicians outlined the best way to use AC equipment without sacrificing your comfort:

• Maintain modest thermostat settings for AC needs. Try maintaining an indoor temperature between five and ten degrees cooler than outdoors during summer. 
• Let your air conditioner complete cycles. If you want to turn your system off, let it complete its current cycle before changing the settings. 
• Use fans and space heaters for closed spaces. You can use ceiling, box, or oscillating fans to cool a room. Plug in a space heater if the atmosphere gets a touch nippy. 
• Open windows when the outdoor temperature feels better than indoors. You’ll give your air conditioner a break while enjoying the added benefit of fresh air.