An air conditioner is a device that is designed to maintain a set room temperature all day long.
There is no such thing as the appliance will melt, or get damaged if run continuously for 24 hours.
In fact, you can run your AC constantly for an entire week.
I have tried running my Hitachi inverter split AC continuously without turning it OFF for an entire week.
However if you worry about the same then consult the AC company technicians. Only then will you rest assured.
How long the compressor Runs in day
If you run your AC 24 hours a day, that does not mean it will run for the entire time.
In case of normal non-inverter ACs, the compressor goes in ON and OFF cycle after achieving the desired room temperature.
The running time for an AC can be said as the time period for which the compressor is running.
Also cooling is only done when the compressor is running.
The compressor alone consumes 90-95% of the power for the entire AC system.
If your AC capacity is right according to your room size then for moderate summers(not too high), the compressor may run for 70-80% of the time.
This would be 16-19 hours a day.
This goes for both window and split AC.
But for summers when the temperature is too high outside then the compressor will run for almost 90-100% of the time across the entire day.
For inverter AC it is difficult to calculate the running time across the day. But it is sure that the compress runtime will be less than 24 hours if the outdoor temperature is moderate high.
Read More: If you want to study the difference between variable compressor AC with normal AC then check this.
Factors that increase the compressor run time
1. Undersized Air Conditioner
If you use an AC with cooling capacity lower than the requirements of your room then it is said to be undersized.
In the case of an undersized air conditioner, the compressor will run continuously for most of the time without switching OFF.
It will fail to reach the desired set room temperature.
2. High Outdoor temperature
During peak summer times when the temperature is soaring hot.
There will be higher load on the AC for cooling.
The compressor will run continuously for achieving the desired room temperature.
3. Thermostat set to low
If the desired temperature inside the room is set to low on the air conditioner’s thermostat.
Your AC will run for a longer time to achieve the set temperature.
Disadvantage of Running AC for 24 hours in day
1. It will consume more power and electricity
Air conditioner is a high power consuming appliance.
Despite the advancements in cooling efficiency and with the use of inverter technology, it still consumes a hell lot of power.
The longer it runs the more power it will draw, increasing the electricity bill for you.
You can calculate the power and electricity consumption for your AC using my power consumption calculator. Just enter the EER/ISEER rating, cooling capacity, daily usage, etc.
2. Will degrade faster
Be it any electronic device.
Each has some life and after operating for a specific time it will become defective and unoperational.
The same goes for an air conditioner.
With increased usage, its indoor unit filters will require frequent cleaning.
The outdoor unit also attracts dust. More dust will accumulate in the condenser unit faster.
Dust and salt degrades the life of the condenser coils.
It will degrade faster.
3. You will need frequent servicing
With frequent accumulation of dust and salt in both the indoor and outdoor units you will need to service the AC more frequently.
Its air filters might need replacement in a short period.
All this will add up the cost of maintenance.
Final Thoughts
There is no harm in running your AC for 24/7.
But to reduce the power consumption you should run it at an ideal temperature.
Setting the thermostat to 24-26 degree celsius will reduce your power consumption without decreasing the comfort levels.
