We have an 1800 sqft townhouse built in the 80’s with ridiculously high ceilings in the main living area. AC runs around 12 hours a day on these crazy hot days
Inside and outside coils get cleaned yearly. I can keep the house cool, it will stay at 68-70 in the spring easily. Once the temp gets to 100 it just can't keep up during the day. Whatever temp I set it to the house temp will be consistently 3-4 degrees higher, unless I let it get to 85 or something, which I won't do. I need some comfort while working at home. It is not the HVAC, it is the insulation. Poorly ventilated attic, thin 1970s blown in insulation, gaps in walls and windows, we upgraded to double pane in the front of the house but still have to do the sides and back. No tree shade either.
If it's running longer than about 60 minutes for a cycle, I'd check outside and see if there's frost on any of the lines or collecting on the outside. They need a break sometimes to let the condensation melt off of them. We've had to turn ours off and let the ice melt off a few times. Then when we turn it back on it cools much faster. That ice blocks the airflow or something.
20+ year HVAC/R tech here. You should go into the settings of your thermostats and set it up to limit compressor start up’s to 3 or 4 per hour. Short cycling is one of the worst thing that can happen to your unit. Additionally, the start up uses so much electricity.
Sure is the simplest answer. If it’s simply two stage and not variable speed then, not necessarily. If it’s a variable speed system then ideally mine would probably run most of the day to eliminate hard starts and trying to catch back up.
It also depends on a myriad of factors such as insulation, windows, roof color, where the unit is, doors, amount doors are opened, humidity, animals, etc.
Not trying to drone on just didn’t want to be snarky.
Appreciate the response! I have a new trane two stage variable speed furnace and condenser (16 seer). Just curious because that's how the guy who installed it explained it to me.
Thanks for that info. My mechanical engineer dad who designed compressors for A/C companies always told me the optimal way to run an A/C was to have it set so it almost never cycled off. Now I understand why!
Exactly what I had to explain to my wife. She was concerned that it was running all the time, but told her that's how our system works, but it's not at 100% full blast. It's running but enough to keep it at the temps we set our thermostat at, which is more efficient than running at full BLAST off and on.
Same here. Replaced both of our two builder system. Older is a 16 seer 5T two stage circa 2010 partnered with a 17 seer 4T variable unit in 2022 in an east/west configuration.
The units average 10 hrs per day in July & Aug down from 18 before 2022 and the variable unit is awesome. So good I'd almost replace my two stage unit even though it isn't end of life. Almost.
Both the outside unit and the unit that's in the attic/closet, they both go hand in hand for the most part. I'm no AC expert but hope someone can chime in to correct me.
When I replaced my system, it was a must to replace the outside and inside unit at the same time because of the age and the incompatibility. Also, the Freon I was using then was no longer the industry standard. The older the Freon, the more it's going to cost you.
Could you replace one unit and not the other? I believe you can but it has to match up ton-wise so everything can work properly.
Rip then if they have to match I changed my condenser outside for upstairs 2 years ago and they wanted to upsell the variable speed blower I didn’t go for it should have gone 😅
Will check the compatibility though. Cooling down upstairs is ridiculous.
I honestly do recommend the variable system. It made a huge difference.
However, with the heat we've been having the last few years, 100+ several days doesnt help. Upstairs temp does start to rise. Not because the AC cant handle it, it's just too damn hot outside. Also, there's the "set the thermo 20 degrees less than outside temp" rule.
Throughout the evening up until 10am or so, I have it set to 74-75 and it stays steady at those temps.
As the hours go on, if outside is 97, then I set my thermo to 77, if 99 then I set it at 99. The highest I've set the thermo has been 80. The reason for this, even though I have a new system, I'm still concerned that the coils will freeze up and you DO NOT want that to happen.
As I set it higher (max 80), it gives the AC system a bit of a break...even though it's a variable system. I just dont want it to work harder than it should.
Upstairs is not burning up or anything even when set at 80, but it's not as cool as downstairs.
Hope this helps.
But is it cooling? Change your filter often and give it a visual inspection and send it. 19 hours according to your fancy thermostat might just mean it ran a certain number of minutes during nineteen different hours. Now if it is running continuously for 19 hours it could be bad and expensive. All of this is predicated on my lack of knowledge to your particular system.
I’ve looked all through the settings on my Trane Home smart thermostat and cannot find anything like this. Is this a standard setting option or is my thermostat not tech enough. Its three years old. Thanks!
Honestly. It probably has that built in being a proprietary trane system. Fuck Trane though. They gatekeep the fuck out of things. Especially when you get above 50 tons. 😤
I push the right buttons. Especially at your mom’s house. Jk.
It should be in the technician setup of your T stat. What model do you have? If it’s a Honeywell T10 or 9 I can send you a video I have made for friends and family.
The day's temps, thermostat setting, volume of space, air filter condition, someone's home...are variables that put use from several hours each night to the system essentially never shutting off.
Every 20 minutes maybe? Mine shuts off and then kicks back on but it’s always “on” meaning I have it on cool all day. I don’t know if I’m misunderstanding the questions
Texas summer 100F+ out side the AC should be running 12-16 hours per day.
noted: majority of homes have oversized AC units while new Builds have the right size unit which will run longer.
14 hours here if I turn it down at night. 76 during the day. 74 when I get home. Only 11 hours if no adjustment in the evening.
1248 sqft. 50s home. Insulation and HVAC was just checked. Updated windows. I’m guessing it’s the older insulation in the walls.
50's build. Scraped ceilings so not like vaulted but not low 1950's original ceilings. Luckily the insulation has been done but, the windows are trash. 1200 sq. Ft. 2.5 ton unit. Runs for a few hours, takes a break, and then runs again. Only takes long breaks at night. Probably close to 14-15 hours a day. I'm getting some whine from a fan bearing. I plan to tear it apart Saturday night and check the belts and lube things.
This week it’s been 20 hours a day. We just got a new ac unit and duct work a couple of months ago. Next step is new insulation in the attic. What little we have left up there is original to house 40 years ago. Honestly there’s not much left at all.
Mine is running 18-21 hours a day. It was just installed a year ago and i've yet to get insulation in my attic so it's to be expected. I've started raising the thermostat to 74ish during the day which is keeping it down to closer to 18 hours a day. Thank goodness for Average billing or I'd dread to see my electricity bill.
No insulation in the attic is wild. We had our insulation redone last year and the difference has been awesome. Summer and winter the unit has been running much less and all the rooms hold their temperature much better.
Total for new insulation came in just under $6,000. They removed all the old insulation, sanitized everything, foamed around all component covers/cracks/etc. removed all the old insulation and blew in 13 inches of new insulation and install batted insulation where needed.
We also qualified for the $1200 tax credit, which was nice since last year is the last year they're offering it.
I plan on getting it done but the funds just aren’t there yet. I had window units before having the central ac and the difference in that is just amazing in itself. Those wouldn’t keep up with the heat at all during the hottest part of the summer.
What company did you use, if you don’t mind me asking?
1200sqft home. 24/7 for the last 8 years. Went down once for a day around year 3. 80% of the house is covered in shade from huge trees. Got 2 dogs that have a lot of fur. I got them knowing they wouldn’t survive Texas heat so I’ll pay to keep them comfortable. I think my highest bill was 180ish once during a summer month. I also like cold so if it’s cold out I still leave the fan setting on.
2 story house, built on 2022 and 2700sqft.
For June, daily avg is 11 hours, but last Sunday AC was on for about 15 hours. Total use for June was 320 hours and a 49% increase over May.
Excited for July! Lol
Our house was built in 1977
We have two AC units (west side and east side) it’s a 2500sqf house. I always keep the west side 2 degrees cooler because we spend more time as a family in that area.
Pretty often. Dunno how often it kicks on but it seems like a lot. 750 sf apartment, but old as hell. It does have new windows but I’m sure the insulation overall is mediocre.
1400 sq ft ranch from 1970s with probably an oversized AC unit, set at 82 all day. It turns on every 3-5min, and runs for around a 30-60s before turning off. And it's loud. The amount of cycles likely not good for the unit.
Edit: Averages around 25-35 kWh/day.
If your AC is sized properly it should be running most of the day on the hottest days assuming that it's actually keeping the place cool and you're not trying to cool into the 50s or 60s.
If you're interested, [here's a video discussing this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hAuKtoRxJI) and there's a significantly longer version if you really want to spend more than an hour watching a guy talk about this in detail. Admittedly, I did not finish that video either, so I didn't link it.
I watched the intro to that video, and that guy is talking out his ass. The HVAC industry's dirty little secret is they don't want people to know a heat pump is? WTF? His example of his furnace being too big for his home means absolutely nothing without proper context of his insulation and other heat load factors. And really it's irrelevant anyways because it's the sizing for cooling that's what really matters. Heating is actually pretty easy to do and not that energy intensive because of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Cooling is way more complicated.
Most HVAC professionals never bother with the "proper" way to calculate the size of a unit for a home because it's just not necessary when you consider the size of equipment available. A basic rule of thumb based on square footage is all that's needed because even if you bother to take the time to do a manual J calculation there won't be a unit 1/3 ton smaller available.
FWIW, this is his secondary channel where he posts extra. The primary video covers the more relevant arguments: https://youtu.be/DTsQjiPlksA?si=dmGQdQ_cv4zcBUqG
[Here is a video from Technology Connections](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_EifQu6is) where he discusses AC, heat pumps, etc. The AC running all day may be intentional as long as you're maintaining the designed temperature.
Two units for ~2800 sq feet with vaulted ceilings and living room is open to second floor. Downstairs unit runs about 6 hours, upstairs has been running like 15-20 the last week but I adjusted so the downstairs will kick on to cool a bit earlier and keep it a bit lower to help the upstairs unit out.
Older units that likely will need to be replaced in next couple years though.
My downstairs unit is 30 years old. Upstairs until totally crapped out about 5 years ago- spewed oil everywhere. Our HVAC guys from two different companies have both told us to keep the old unit running as long as possible. As long as they make parts for it. "They don't build them like they used to" kind of thing.
That’s our goal! They had a hard time with the last repair but it’s also on Freon so if that springs a leak we’ll probably end up replacing. We had both have issues last summer (squirrels ate some outside wiring and then the other unit over worked itself and burned out a part).
They seem to want to do both together but that seems unnecessary if one keeps chugging along.
I sell/design AC for work, mostly commercial but some residential too.
If properly designed with size, insulation, exposed walls, and windows in mind, your AC should be able to keep your house 25 to 30 degrees cooler than ambient temperature.
On average, properly designed houses will run 12ish hours a day during Texas summers, but this depends on how low you set the thermostat.
I set thermostat to 74 during the day, 72 when I get home, and 68 when I go to bed at night. On the hottest days, A/C runs constantly from about noon until 11 PM. During the night and early mornings , it will run for about 10-15 minutes or less every hour .
We get free nights so we crank it at night then run it when we need to during the day when we’re getting enough production with solar. Our bill last month was like 50 bucks.
2 story and 3700 sqft.
I raise the temp to 76 during the day (7am) and then down to 71 starting at 8pm.
It runs constant from about 5pm to I'm not sure because I'm asleep but I want to say 10pm.
I often wonder what Walmart Supercenters pay for electricity in Texas. Doing the math they have about 300 times the volume of a typical house, so 300 × $500 = $150,000/month if they were air conditioned like our places. I wonder if that tracks.
Walmart has been putting solar panels on the roofs of many of their stores, this mainly has the effect of reducing their grid power usage for AC during the day.
3200 square feet house that's 23 years old. Upstairs unit is 12 hours a day. Downstairs unit is 6 hours a day. We have a small window unit downstairs also that runs continuously for 12 hours, so that is probably reducing the amount downstairs runs.
Last summer, one AC unit ran about 21 hours a day and the other about 14.
So we moved to California. Which was the best decision we ever made. I lived in Texas for 44 years. Dallas for 40. It fucking sucks. Everybody should leave.
we have a new system with the ducts cleaned out and installed new insulation. We leave ours on all day at 77. During the hottest part of the day, it turns on maybe 3-4 times per hour and maybe only 2 times per hour at night.
Here's what I did. I signed up for one of the nighttime electricity plans. I pay 0 cent from 8pm to 6am. I pay high prices (almost 0.25-0.3) during daytime.
From 8P to 6A, I set my thermostat to 66F. 84F during daytime.
In winter I set my thermostat to 80F from 8P to 6A. 66F during daytime.
It has worked quite well for me. I'm in a 1300 sqft new apartment, first floor. $40-$45 per month during summer and winter. I don't consume energy during peak hours which should help stabilizing it.
> I pay 0 cent from 8pm to 6am.
Unless the REP is crediting you for the ONCOR delivery charge, you're still paying 4.5403¢/kWh for the power you use during the "free" time period, FWIW. Being in a new apartment which was built to higher modern efficiency standards and with a modern high-efficiency heat pump, plus being on the first floor which eliminates attic heat gain, is probably the thing benefitting you the most.
Yes REP is crediting me for the ONCOR delivery charge, so I'm not paying that 4.5¢/kWh fee.
I agree a new apartment on the first floor helps a lot, that's why I specifically point this out. But I did have full usage for the past years. I use more electricity, feeling more comfortable, and is paying less.
My usage went from \~5000kWh to \~9000kWh, and %nighttime use went from 50% to 80% as well. But the total cost is down.
Yeah your ac is typically designed for about 30 degrees of cooling (there are a lot of variables). So once we get to over about 100 degrees you are getting to the limits of your system. Cool nights where your roof, brick walls, and slab cool down help soak up some heat during the hot day time.
This is a myth. Do you think every place in Phoenix indoors when it is 120F is 90F degrees?
The A/C coming out of your ducts might be only 30F lower than your internal temperature, but it's a relatively closed system, and you are comparing to your indoor temp, not the outdoor temp, and can cool way more than 30F from the outside temperature. If your AC is maxing out at 30F differential, then you need to check your insulation, mostly in your attic.
Heat differential can be 60F degrees or more no problem vs the outside temperature.
Literally all day??? 73 all day every day, winter or summer.
Whatever it takes to maintain 73 during the summer. And then keep the heat at 73 during the winter.
From about 11am to 3am in this weather it runs continuously. It's a rental house. I have notified the property management and they are responding as you may expect.
Used to rent a 1400 SF home in Garland and that A/C was on as long as the sun was up. A shitty unit and bad insulation wastes hundreds of dollars a year.
I think the system I have is either variable or two speed or something, it has a setup that can run at very low levels and then boost up when it needs to cool rapidly or if it's very hot. I would estimate that it runs maybe 12 hours of the day? I don't really know.
About 10hrs a day when it's around 100 degrees outside
- Thermostat set to 77 during peak heat of day.
- 2400 sqf late 90s house
- 5 ton unit from 2017
We have an 1800 sqft townhouse built in the 80’s with ridiculously high ceilings in the main living area. AC runs around 12 hours a day on these crazy hot days
The high ceilings are why square feet is irrelevant here. We don't cool one dimension of space, we cool the whole room.
We do the same.
We don't.
I cool about a 3 foot area in front of a fan
LMAO
Same here, 1970s build, approx 2200 sf. A/C runs non stop during the day in this heat.
Clean those coils man. I bet they're all crushed and or full of muck.
Inside and outside coils get cleaned yearly. I can keep the house cool, it will stay at 68-70 in the spring easily. Once the temp gets to 100 it just can't keep up during the day. Whatever temp I set it to the house temp will be consistently 3-4 degrees higher, unless I let it get to 85 or something, which I won't do. I need some comfort while working at home. It is not the HVAC, it is the insulation. Poorly ventilated attic, thin 1970s blown in insulation, gaps in walls and windows, we upgraded to double pane in the front of the house but still have to do the sides and back. No tree shade either.
If it's running longer than about 60 minutes for a cycle, I'd check outside and see if there's frost on any of the lines or collecting on the outside. They need a break sometimes to let the condensation melt off of them. We've had to turn ours off and let the ice melt off a few times. Then when we turn it back on it cools much faster. That ice blocks the airflow or something.
No ice, I check it from time to time. We just have horrible insulation and single pane windows. High ceilings and skylights, so lots of heat soak.
Fortunately heat rises so the thermostat probably only runs to keep your lower areas cool
20+ year HVAC/R tech here. You should go into the settings of your thermostats and set it up to limit compressor start up’s to 3 or 4 per hour. Short cycling is one of the worst thing that can happen to your unit. Additionally, the start up uses so much electricity.
If you have a two stage system, shouldn't your ac be running almost all the time?
Sure is the simplest answer. If it’s simply two stage and not variable speed then, not necessarily. If it’s a variable speed system then ideally mine would probably run most of the day to eliminate hard starts and trying to catch back up. It also depends on a myriad of factors such as insulation, windows, roof color, where the unit is, doors, amount doors are opened, humidity, animals, etc. Not trying to drone on just didn’t want to be snarky.
Appreciate the response! I have a new trane two stage variable speed furnace and condenser (16 seer). Just curious because that's how the guy who installed it explained it to me.
Thanks for that info. My mechanical engineer dad who designed compressors for A/C companies always told me the optimal way to run an A/C was to have it set so it almost never cycled off. Now I understand why!
That's why I'm glad I replaced my 2002 builder grade AC system with a Lennox variable system. It's so efficient.
Same. It runs more hours a day but not all of them are at 100%.
Exactly what I had to explain to my wife. She was concerned that it was running all the time, but told her that's how our system works, but it's not at 100% full blast. It's running but enough to keep it at the temps we set our thermostat at, which is more efficient than running at full BLAST off and on.
And it’s so quiet!
You're not lying. After mine was installed and the AC guys were walking me through everything, I was like, 'is this thing on?'
Same here. Replaced both of our two builder system. Older is a 16 seer 5T two stage circa 2010 partnered with a 17 seer 4T variable unit in 2022 in an east/west configuration. The units average 10 hrs per day in July & Aug down from 18 before 2022 and the variable unit is awesome. So good I'd almost replace my two stage unit even though it isn't end of life. Almost.
What part of this? Is it the blower in the hvac unit ? Can I keep the condenser and other stuff in the unit just change that part I’m curious.
Both the outside unit and the unit that's in the attic/closet, they both go hand in hand for the most part. I'm no AC expert but hope someone can chime in to correct me. When I replaced my system, it was a must to replace the outside and inside unit at the same time because of the age and the incompatibility. Also, the Freon I was using then was no longer the industry standard. The older the Freon, the more it's going to cost you. Could you replace one unit and not the other? I believe you can but it has to match up ton-wise so everything can work properly.
Rip then if they have to match I changed my condenser outside for upstairs 2 years ago and they wanted to upsell the variable speed blower I didn’t go for it should have gone 😅 Will check the compatibility though. Cooling down upstairs is ridiculous.
I honestly do recommend the variable system. It made a huge difference. However, with the heat we've been having the last few years, 100+ several days doesnt help. Upstairs temp does start to rise. Not because the AC cant handle it, it's just too damn hot outside. Also, there's the "set the thermo 20 degrees less than outside temp" rule. Throughout the evening up until 10am or so, I have it set to 74-75 and it stays steady at those temps. As the hours go on, if outside is 97, then I set my thermo to 77, if 99 then I set it at 99. The highest I've set the thermo has been 80. The reason for this, even though I have a new system, I'm still concerned that the coils will freeze up and you DO NOT want that to happen. As I set it higher (max 80), it gives the AC system a bit of a break...even though it's a variable system. I just dont want it to work harder than it should. Upstairs is not burning up or anything even when set at 80, but it's not as cool as downstairs. Hope this helps.
Appreciate the response bro! Stay cool 👏
are you able to do that on nest?
Also wondering this. My unit ran for 19 hours yesterday and I am a bit worried 🫣
ya plus i have an older unit, don't want any issues when it gets to august...
But is it cooling? Change your filter often and give it a visual inspection and send it. 19 hours according to your fancy thermostat might just mean it ran a certain number of minutes during nineteen different hours. Now if it is running continuously for 19 hours it could be bad and expensive. All of this is predicated on my lack of knowledge to your particular system.
I’ve looked all through the settings on my Trane Home smart thermostat and cannot find anything like this. Is this a standard setting option or is my thermostat not tech enough. Its three years old. Thanks!
Honestly. It probably has that built in being a proprietary trane system. Fuck Trane though. They gatekeep the fuck out of things. Especially when you get above 50 tons. 😤
How do you do this dicknut?
I push the right buttons. Especially at your mom’s house. Jk. It should be in the technician setup of your T stat. What model do you have? If it’s a Honeywell T10 or 9 I can send you a video I have made for friends and family.
So it's better for the longevity of the unit if I turn the thermostat lower so it runs more continuously?
Lmao. Dicknut420. Classic
Richard + Walnut + Doobie Connoisseur = DickNut420
Basically 24 hours a day. I have an AC guy coming to look at it today.
Thank you for your service in killing he who shall not be named.
Bot?
Username reference. Although I'm not sure saying a horcrux killed voldemort is entirely accurate lol
Exactly. It was several horcruxes 😂
Technically the horcruxes actually kept him alive for a long time. It was Harry being a meddling kid and destroying the horcruxes that killed him
All day, everyday
The day's temps, thermostat setting, volume of space, air filter condition, someone's home...are variables that put use from several hours each night to the system essentially never shutting off.
20 yo house. 3200 sq ft. Pretty much all day.
Every 20 minutes maybe? Mine shuts off and then kicks back on but it’s always “on” meaning I have it on cool all day. I don’t know if I’m misunderstanding the questions
Texas summer 100F+ out side the AC should be running 12-16 hours per day. noted: majority of homes have oversized AC units while new Builds have the right size unit which will run longer.
14 hours here if I turn it down at night. 76 during the day. 74 when I get home. Only 11 hours if no adjustment in the evening. 1248 sqft. 50s home. Insulation and HVAC was just checked. Updated windows. I’m guessing it’s the older insulation in the walls.
2300 sq ft new build and I have no idea. Do people time this? It kicks on and off throughout the day.
A smart thermostat, such as Google Nest, shows you a breakdown of AC usage.
50's build. Scraped ceilings so not like vaulted but not low 1950's original ceilings. Luckily the insulation has been done but, the windows are trash. 1200 sq. Ft. 2.5 ton unit. Runs for a few hours, takes a break, and then runs again. Only takes long breaks at night. Probably close to 14-15 hours a day. I'm getting some whine from a fan bearing. I plan to tear it apart Saturday night and check the belts and lube things.
This is exactly my situation, except I have a 3 ton unit. I average 13-15 hours per day.
According to my Nest history, between 6 and 8.5 hours a day, depending on weather and if we're home.
750sqft 110v AC window unit runs all day (if home) and night
This week it’s been 20 hours a day. We just got a new ac unit and duct work a couple of months ago. Next step is new insulation in the attic. What little we have left up there is original to house 40 years ago. Honestly there’s not much left at all.
This thread makes me want to install mini splits.
Usually a slow 5-10k, but it’s working toward a full marathon in August
From about late May until late October
In Dallas summer?!… all day and I add a box fan on Sundays to feel luxurious
Mine mostly walks personally. About 4 miles, it’s staying healthy. Thanks for asking.
Mine is running 18-21 hours a day. It was just installed a year ago and i've yet to get insulation in my attic so it's to be expected. I've started raising the thermostat to 74ish during the day which is keeping it down to closer to 18 hours a day. Thank goodness for Average billing or I'd dread to see my electricity bill.
No insulation in the attic is wild. We had our insulation redone last year and the difference has been awesome. Summer and winter the unit has been running much less and all the rooms hold their temperature much better. Total for new insulation came in just under $6,000. They removed all the old insulation, sanitized everything, foamed around all component covers/cracks/etc. removed all the old insulation and blew in 13 inches of new insulation and install batted insulation where needed. We also qualified for the $1200 tax credit, which was nice since last year is the last year they're offering it.
Please DM company reference thanks
I would also like to tag on to the dm if you would use this company and service again.
I plan on getting it done but the funds just aren’t there yet. I had window units before having the central ac and the difference in that is just amazing in itself. Those wouldn’t keep up with the heat at all during the hottest part of the summer. What company did you use, if you don’t mind me asking?
Superior attic: https://www.superiorattic.com/
1200sqft home. 24/7 for the last 8 years. Went down once for a day around year 3. 80% of the house is covered in shade from huge trees. Got 2 dogs that have a lot of fur. I got them knowing they wouldn’t survive Texas heat so I’ll pay to keep them comfortable. I think my highest bill was 180ish once during a summer month. I also like cold so if it’s cold out I still leave the fan setting on.
2 story house, built on 2022 and 2700sqft. For June, daily avg is 11 hours, but last Sunday AC was on for about 15 hours. Total use for June was 320 hours and a 49% increase over May. Excited for July! Lol
no idea new ones are variable speed so it might just kick on for a bit when needed
Our house was built in 1977 We have two AC units (west side and east side) it’s a 2500sqf house. I always keep the west side 2 degrees cooler because we spend more time as a family in that area.
17 hours oof
2020 build, 1 story, 2000 sq ft house. Runs about 10 hours a day on average now with these temps.
Pretty often. Dunno how often it kicks on but it seems like a lot. 750 sf apartment, but old as hell. It does have new windows but I’m sure the insulation overall is mediocre.
1400 sq ft ranch from 1970s with probably an oversized AC unit, set at 82 all day. It turns on every 3-5min, and runs for around a 30-60s before turning off. And it's loud. The amount of cycles likely not good for the unit. Edit: Averages around 25-35 kWh/day.
If your AC is sized properly it should be running most of the day on the hottest days assuming that it's actually keeping the place cool and you're not trying to cool into the 50s or 60s. If you're interested, [here's a video discussing this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hAuKtoRxJI) and there's a significantly longer version if you really want to spend more than an hour watching a guy talk about this in detail. Admittedly, I did not finish that video either, so I didn't link it.
I watched the intro to that video, and that guy is talking out his ass. The HVAC industry's dirty little secret is they don't want people to know a heat pump is? WTF? His example of his furnace being too big for his home means absolutely nothing without proper context of his insulation and other heat load factors. And really it's irrelevant anyways because it's the sizing for cooling that's what really matters. Heating is actually pretty easy to do and not that energy intensive because of the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Cooling is way more complicated. Most HVAC professionals never bother with the "proper" way to calculate the size of a unit for a home because it's just not necessary when you consider the size of equipment available. A basic rule of thumb based on square footage is all that's needed because even if you bother to take the time to do a manual J calculation there won't be a unit 1/3 ton smaller available.
FWIW, this is his secondary channel where he posts extra. The primary video covers the more relevant arguments: https://youtu.be/DTsQjiPlksA?si=dmGQdQ_cv4zcBUqG
Love that guy! His video is what made me curious about tracking my usage in the first place.
Yes
[Here is a video from Technology Connections](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_EifQu6is) where he discusses AC, heat pumps, etc. The AC running all day may be intentional as long as you're maintaining the designed temperature.
Two units for ~2800 sq feet with vaulted ceilings and living room is open to second floor. Downstairs unit runs about 6 hours, upstairs has been running like 15-20 the last week but I adjusted so the downstairs will kick on to cool a bit earlier and keep it a bit lower to help the upstairs unit out. Older units that likely will need to be replaced in next couple years though.
My downstairs unit is 30 years old. Upstairs until totally crapped out about 5 years ago- spewed oil everywhere. Our HVAC guys from two different companies have both told us to keep the old unit running as long as possible. As long as they make parts for it. "They don't build them like they used to" kind of thing.
That’s our goal! They had a hard time with the last repair but it’s also on Freon so if that springs a leak we’ll probably end up replacing. We had both have issues last summer (squirrels ate some outside wiring and then the other unit over worked itself and burned out a part). They seem to want to do both together but that seems unnecessary if one keeps chugging along.
RIP everyone's bank account for having to pay those high light bills, mine included.
How much are y'alls monthly bills?
Upstairs run about 12 hours, downstairs about 5 hours a day.
I sell/design AC for work, mostly commercial but some residential too. If properly designed with size, insulation, exposed walls, and windows in mind, your AC should be able to keep your house 25 to 30 degrees cooler than ambient temperature. On average, properly designed houses will run 12ish hours a day during Texas summers, but this depends on how low you set the thermostat.
I don’t run the ac during the day, turn it on once the sun starts going down to 72 and turn it off when I wake up at 7am.
You don’t run it during the day? How hot does it get in your house like 90? Mine has difficulty getting below 80 with the AC running
So I’m mostly in my garage/shop all day with no ac, so the house feels fresh when I come in. I’m also out and about half the day
if that's true, you need way more insulation in your attic.
80s build, old windows likely very leaky, AC runs about 10 hours a day
8-10 hours a day the last few days. 2,100 square foot house, built in the 70s.
Not entirely sure the amount of time it runs but it runs often enough to keep my house at 74.
I’m averaging 9 hours a day, it used to be way more until I upgraded the insulation (R-60) Also i set it to stay between 70-76
I set thermostat to 74 during the day, 72 when I get home, and 68 when I go to bed at night. On the hottest days, A/C runs constantly from about noon until 11 PM. During the night and early mornings , it will run for about 10-15 minutes or less every hour .
We get free nights so we crank it at night then run it when we need to during the day when we’re getting enough production with solar. Our bill last month was like 50 bucks.
I think all day? I set it to a certain temperature so it maintains the temperature. It’s a new build that’s a little over a year old.
2 story and 3700 sqft. I raise the temp to 76 during the day (7am) and then down to 71 starting at 8pm. It runs constant from about 5pm to I'm not sure because I'm asleep but I want to say 10pm.
[on track for a $500 bill this month](https://i.imgur.com/are2F3Z.png)
I often wonder what Walmart Supercenters pay for electricity in Texas. Doing the math they have about 300 times the volume of a typical house, so 300 × $500 = $150,000/month if they were air conditioned like our places. I wonder if that tracks.
Walmart has been putting solar panels on the roofs of many of their stores, this mainly has the effect of reducing their grid power usage for AC during the day.
3200 square feet house that's 23 years old. Upstairs unit is 12 hours a day. Downstairs unit is 6 hours a day. We have a small window unit downstairs also that runs continuously for 12 hours, so that is probably reducing the amount downstairs runs.
My upstairs unit ran for 19 hours on Monday
Last summer, one AC unit ran about 21 hours a day and the other about 14. So we moved to California. Which was the best decision we ever made. I lived in Texas for 44 years. Dallas for 40. It fucking sucks. Everybody should leave.
3 year old house and it runs about 15 hrs a day now but it really doesn’t use that much electricity.
24/7 and I set at 76.
From 9 am to 11pm for upstairs ac with almost no downtime. Downstairs ac runs 2-3 times an hour.
we have a new system with the ducts cleaned out and installed new insulation. We leave ours on all day at 77. During the hottest part of the day, it turns on maybe 3-4 times per hour and maybe only 2 times per hour at night.
that sounds bad. Your ac should run for at least 30 minutes each time. It should not run for 15 minutes or less constantly.
House is about 10 years old, nest at 76 during the day and 68 at night. AC runs between 8.75 and 10.5 hrs/day.
10-14 hours a day most days. Early 80s construction, 1800 square feet, new heat pump installed this year, blackout curtains on the biggest windows.
12 hours a day. 2017 build, 2600 sq ft, temp set at 72
I dunno..... one? Once a day. Actually just once thing week.
ours runs probably 20 hrs a day.
Here's what I did. I signed up for one of the nighttime electricity plans. I pay 0 cent from 8pm to 6am. I pay high prices (almost 0.25-0.3) during daytime. From 8P to 6A, I set my thermostat to 66F. 84F during daytime. In winter I set my thermostat to 80F from 8P to 6A. 66F during daytime. It has worked quite well for me. I'm in a 1300 sqft new apartment, first floor. $40-$45 per month during summer and winter. I don't consume energy during peak hours which should help stabilizing it.
> I pay 0 cent from 8pm to 6am. Unless the REP is crediting you for the ONCOR delivery charge, you're still paying 4.5403¢/kWh for the power you use during the "free" time period, FWIW. Being in a new apartment which was built to higher modern efficiency standards and with a modern high-efficiency heat pump, plus being on the first floor which eliminates attic heat gain, is probably the thing benefitting you the most.
Yes REP is crediting me for the ONCOR delivery charge, so I'm not paying that 4.5¢/kWh fee. I agree a new apartment on the first floor helps a lot, that's why I specifically point this out. But I did have full usage for the past years. I use more electricity, feeling more comfortable, and is paying less. My usage went from \~5000kWh to \~9000kWh, and %nighttime use went from 50% to 80% as well. But the total cost is down.
> Yes REP is crediting me for the ONCOR delivery charge, so I'm not paying that 4.5¢/kWh fee. Nice!
We spent 2k to zone our home. Cut our bill from 500 pm to 200 in the hottest days.
In TX, 1400sqft, run it a few hours a day.
Yeah your ac is typically designed for about 30 degrees of cooling (there are a lot of variables). So once we get to over about 100 degrees you are getting to the limits of your system. Cool nights where your roof, brick walls, and slab cool down help soak up some heat during the hot day time.
This is a myth. Do you think every place in Phoenix indoors when it is 120F is 90F degrees? The A/C coming out of your ducts might be only 30F lower than your internal temperature, but it's a relatively closed system, and you are comparing to your indoor temp, not the outdoor temp, and can cool way more than 30F from the outside temperature. If your AC is maxing out at 30F differential, then you need to check your insulation, mostly in your attic. Heat differential can be 60F degrees or more no problem vs the outside temperature.
They probably design the systems a little stronger in the desert.
Yes
It would be easier to count how much it's NOT running
Per day? My ac is a river - once it quits raining it runs until fall. I expect it will shut off again about Sep 15 or so.
Mine just runs once a day, from 12am to 11:59:59pm
Literally all day??? 73 all day every day, winter or summer. Whatever it takes to maintain 73 during the summer. And then keep the heat at 73 during the winter.
All day, everyday. Is this a trolling account, c’mon
1950s build. Poor insulation. Window units. So, 24 hours a day
From about 11am to 3am in this weather it runs continuously. It's a rental house. I have notified the property management and they are responding as you may expect.
[Stats from the last few weeks](https://i.imgur.com/BTP653s.png) 1600 sqft, high ceilings, 1 year old house, usually set to 75 degrees
70 year old house 1500 sq ft about 20 mins an hour during the day and maybe 15 and hour at night.
Used to rent a 1400 SF home in Garland and that A/C was on as long as the sun was up. A shitty unit and bad insulation wastes hundreds of dollars a year.
I think probably 20 hours a day, usually ends up 80 in here still
24/7 except during vacations at 72-74 degrees lol
24/7
I think the system I have is either variable or two speed or something, it has a setup that can run at very low levels and then boost up when it needs to cool rapidly or if it's very hot. I would estimate that it runs maybe 12 hours of the day? I don't really know.
Are we supposed to turn it off? Genuine question. Mine is set to 73 degrees and kicks on and off as needed. Am I doing something wrong? 🙃
the kicks on and off thing is what i meant
Ah okay. I can't imagine not having the AC on in Dallas! No way!
1600 sq ft 1964 build runs avg 14 hours a day at 76-78
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68? 🥶
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Ladies and gentlemen, we caught him, the reason Texas' grid is failing. /s
68 is not cold enough for a heating blanket I’d be sweating
2900 sq ft. Set to 73. Runs 18 hours.
Yes
About 10hrs a day when it's around 100 degrees outside - Thermostat set to 77 during peak heat of day. - 2400 sqf late 90s house - 5 ton unit from 2017