When summer rolls into Lincolnshire, IL, your air conditioner quickly becomes one of the most important systems in your home. But as the temperatures climb and the humidity thickens, you might find yourself wondering if your AC is running more than it should or not enough to keep you cool.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric explores how the local weather impacts AC performance, what a “normal” daily runtime looks like for air conditioning in Lincolnshire, and how to optimize your air conditioning in Lincolnshire to strike the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency. Whether you’re trying to cut back on costs or get more from your system, we’ll help you decode your air conditioner’s behavior and keep your home cool all season long.
About Lincolnshire’s Climate
It’s important to understand the local climate that your system is up against. Lincolnshire, IL, experiences a mix of warm temperatures and high humidity during the summer months, and these conditions can put your air conditioner into overdrive. By taking a closer look at the typical weather patterns in the area, you’ll gain better insight into why your system might be working harder than expected and how to manage its runtime more effectively.
Average Summer Temperatures
Lincolnshire summers are warm but not scorching. According to climate data, daytime temperatures in June sit in the upper 70s, and typically climb into the low 80s through July and August.
While these temperatures may seem moderate, they’re enough to make an indoor space uncomfortable if your HVAC system isn’t running like it should be.
Humidity Matters, Too
Lincolnshire’s summer humidity levels can get intense. On a typical summer day, the relative humidity ranges between 65% and 70% on average. This makes it feel even hotter than it is. And because an air conditioning system or heat pump also removes indoor humidity, excessive moisture in the air can make work harder and longer.
How Many Hours Should My AC Run Per Day?
On average, your air conditioning in Lincolnshire, IL, should run:
- 12 to 16 hours per day on very hot and humid days
- 8 to 12 hours per day on hot days
- 4 to 6 hours on mild days
If your AC runs constantly without breaks or only for a few minutes before turning off, you may have an issue like incorrect sizing, short cycling, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Call for air conditioning services to diagnose and address the issue with AC repair or a new air conditioning installation before the issue gets worse.
What Other Factors Affect Runtime?
Your air conditioning in Lincolnshire isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several variables influence how long your system runs:
1. Home Insulation
Poor insulation lets cool air escape and hot, humid air enter your home, forcing your existing unit to work longer and harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.
2. Thermostat Settings
The closer your indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the less your AC has to run. If you keep your thermostat at 72°F when it’s 85°F outside, expect long runtimes. If you bump it up to 76°F or 78°F, you can reduce daily runtime without sacrificing comfort.
3. AC Size and Efficiency
A properly sized AC unit will run in balanced cycles—long enough to cool and dehumidify but short enough to rest between runs. Oversized units short cycle (turn on and off frequently), while undersized ones may run all day and still fail to cool your home properly.
4. Age and Air Conditioning Maintenance
Older units or systems with clogged filters, dirty coils, or low refrigerant levels run longer than well-maintained systems. Regular maintenance from Ravinia Plumbing helps your air conditioning in Lincolnshire perform at peak efficiency.
AC Runtime vs. Your Summer Electric Bill
Even if you have the best system, it’s normal to notice your energy bill increase once temperatures start to rise. This is simply because you’re using your air conditioning system now, when you weren’t in the spring.
If your electric bill spikes during the summer, your air conditioner’s runtime is likely to blame. Every extra hour your AC runs adds to your energy bill. A unit that runs inefficiently, even for just one or two hours longer per day, can add $30 to $60 or more per month to your utility bill.
Efficiency Factors to Watch
- Older units (10+ years) use up to 40% more electricity
- Leaky ductwork can waste 20-30% of heating and cooling energy
- A clogged filter can reduce efficiency by 15% or more
An optimized AC system can dramatically lower your cooling costs during Lincolnshire’s muggy summer months.
How to Help Your AC Run Less (And Save More)
Let’s be honest—Lincolnshire homeowners want to be cool and comfortable without breaking the bank. The good news is, there are several ways to reduce your AC’s daily runtime without sweating it out.
1. Upgrade Your Thermostat
Install a programmable or smart thermostat to control when and how your system runs. Set schedules around your lifestyle—for example, allowing temps to rise when you’re at work and lowering them before you return home.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Drafty doors and windows let warm air in and cool air out. Weatherstripping, caulking, or even replacing old windows can reduce AC runtime significantly. This will also help your Lincolnshire heating system run more efficiently in the winter.
3. Boost Insulation
Upgrade insulation in the attic, basement, and walls to trap conditioned air inside your home longer. This reduces how often your system needs to kick on.
4. Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t lower room temperature, but they make you feel cooler through air movement. This lets you raise your thermostat a few degrees and reduce AC usage without sacrificing comfort.
5. Keep Up With Maintenance
Routine service keeps your air conditioning in Lincolnshire in tip-top shape. A seasonal tune up includes:
- Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
- Replacing or cleaning filters
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Testing thermostat accuracy
- Inspecting ductwork and airflow
These small steps can shave off hours of runtime per day and extend your unit’s lifespan. And, seasonal tune ups for heating systems do the same for winter comfort!
When to Call a Local HVAC Company
If your air conditioner is:
- Running all day with little cooling effect
- Making loud or strange noises
- Cycling on and off frequently
- Blowing warm or musty air
…it’s time to call the Lincolnshire, IL, heating and cooling experts at Ravinia Plumbing. We specialize in diagnosing and fixing issues that affect your system’s runtime and energy use. Whether you need air conditioning repair, maintenance, or an entirely new system, we can help you stay cool without overpaying on your energy bill.
Optimize AC Run Times to Lower Energy Bills and More
So, how many hours should your AC run in Lincolnshire, IL? The truth is, it varies based on weather, home design, insulation, and more. On hot and humid summer days, expect 12–16 hours of runtime, especially in July and August. But that number can drop dramatically with the right improvements to your home and HVAC system.
With proactive maintenance, smart home upgrades, and expert support from Ravinia Plumbing, your air conditioning in Lincolnshire can keep you comfortable all summer long without draining your wallet.
Schedule a service or maintenance visit in Lincolnshire today. Ravinia Plumbing is your trusted local provider for expert heating and air conditioning services in Lincolnshire. Let us help you stay cool, comfortable, and energy-smart this summer.
