During the peak of summer in Highland Park, IL, keeping your home comfortable can mean your air conditioner is working overtime. But how long should your air conditioner run each day? Is it normal for it to run for hours at a time? Or is something wrong?
In this blog, we’ll explore how many hours per day your air conditioner should operate, how climate impacts that runtime, and what factors might increase your energy use. If you’re looking to get the most from your air conditioning in Highland Park while keeping energy bills manageable, read on to see what the cooling services experts at Ravinia Plumbing, Heating, Sewer & Electric have to say about it.
Typical Summer Conditions in Highland Park
Before determining optimal AC usage, it’s important to understand the local climate.
Average Temperatures
Highland Park experiences hot, humid summers. From June through August, daily highs typically range from 78°F to 85°F, with occasional heatwaves pushing temps into the 90s. On top of that, high humidity levels can make it feel much hotter than it actually is in your Highland Park home.
Overnight lows remain in the upper 60s to low 70s, which can keep your air conditioning system running even after dark to maintain a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for Highland Park residents.
Ideal AC Runtime Per Day
There is no universal “perfect” number of hours an AC should run daily, but in Highland Park’s climate, a properly functioning system may operate:
- 12 to 16 hours per day on average during peak summer
- 8 to 12 hours per day during milder summer days
- More than 16 hours per day if there are issues like poor insulation or an undersized unit
These estimates assume your thermostat is set between 72°F and 75°F, which is typical for most households.
Short cycles—where your AC turns on and off quickly—can be a sign of inefficiency or improper sizing. Conversely, if it’s running all day without ever reaching the desired temperature, that also signals a problem worth checking out, so give us a call for comprehensive HVAC services.
How Air Conditioning Usage Affects Your Electric Bill
The longer your air conditioner runs, the more energy it consumes. That directly impacts your monthly utility bill.
Air conditioners draw a significant amount of electricity while running, especially during long summer days when outdoor temperatures and humidity are high. If your system is running 12–16 hours per day, that can quickly add up. Extended runtimes can lead to noticeably higher energy usage.
If you’ve noticed your cooling bills creeping up each summer, it could be a sign that your system is running longer than it should. A professional inspection can help uncover the cause, and an air conditioning repair can put an end to it.
What Affects How Long Your AC Runs?
Several variables impact your air conditioner’s daily runtime. If you feel like your system is running too long or not long enough, these factors may be in play:
1. Thermostat Settings
The lower you set your thermostat, the harder your system works. A home set at 70°F will require more cooling hours than one set at 76°F. Raising your thermostat even 1–2 degrees can reduce daily run time without sacrificing much comfort.
For best results in Highland Park’s summer climate, set your thermostat around 74–76°F during the day and 78°F when you’re away.
2. Humidity Levels
High humidity forces your system to work harder. If your AC is running excessively but your home still feels clammy, consider adding a whole-home dehumidifier. Ravinia Plumbing offers indoor air quality services and systems that reduce indoor humidity, improve comfort, and help your AC work more efficiently.
3. Insulation and Sealing
Poor insulation, air leaks around windows and doors, and unsealed ductwork allow cooled air to escape and hot air to enter, which forces your system to run longer to compensate. A well-insulated, air-tight home keeps cool air in and run times down.
4. AC System Efficiency
An older AC unit may have a low Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), meaning it uses more electricity to achieve the same cooling as a modern system. Upgrading to a high-SEER unit with variable-speed technology can reduce how long your air conditioner runs each day.
Ravinia Plumbing offers customized solutions for air conditioning in Highland Park, IL, to help you meet your energy efficiency goals.
5. Air Filter Condition
A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, making it harder for your AC or heat pump system to cool your home. This can lead to longer runtimes and overheating. Change your filter every 1–3 months to keep airflow optimal and energy use in check.
6. System Size and Design
If your AC is too big or too small for your home, it won’t run properly. An oversized unit may cool your home too quickly and shut off before removing humidity (a problem called short cycling), while an undersized unit will struggle to meet demand, running all day without ever reaching the thermostat setpoint.
Professional sizing and design are crucial to avoid these issues. Ravinia Plumbing makes sure your air conditioning in Highland Park is correctly sized through a detailed load calculation.
When to Call Us for Expert Air Conditioning Services
If your AC is running constantly and your home still feels uncomfortable, it’s time to schedule a check-up. Some warning signs include:
- The system runs longer than 16 hours a day
- Uneven cooling or hot spots
- Frequent cycling or short bursts
- High indoor humidity despite long runtimes
- Sudden spike in your electric bill
Ravinia Plumbing provides expert diagnostics, maintenance services, emergency repairs, and replacements for air conditioning in Highland Park, IL, helping you stay cool while saving energy.
How to Reduce AC Runtime and Energy Bills
Here are a few simple ways Highland Park homeowners can limit how long the cooling system runs without sacrificing comfort:
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air and help you feel cooler.
- Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to improve indoor comfort.
- Seal air leaks with weather stripping or caulk to reduce cooling loss and lower how long your HVAC system must run.
- Schedule annual maintenance tune ups to catch problems early and keep your system running efficiently.
- Upgrade your thermostat to a programmable or smart model.
Optimize Your AC Usage and Stay Cool Without the Waste
During the Highland Park area’s humid summers, it’s perfectly normal for your air conditioner to run 12–16 hours per day. But if it’s running constantly, cycling too quickly, or failing to keep you comfortable, something may be off. Temperature settings, humidity, insulation, and system condition all play a role in how long your AC runs and how much you pay to stay cool.
To get the most from your air conditioning in Highland Park, consider an energy-efficient system, proper maintenance, and expert help when needed. Ravinia Plumbing’s NATE-certified technicians provide a full range of air conditioning services to keep your home comfortable and your AC running just as long as it should—no more, no less. And if you’re too cool when winter rolls in, count on us to keep you warm with expert furnace services.
Need help with your AC? We’re the local HVAC company you can count on for results. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule air conditioning or heat pump service. Or, get a free estimate on new energy-efficient models, including central air, heat pumps, and ductless systems. Customer satisfaction and keeping you cool are our top priorities.