Is More Cycling Normal for Air Conditioners on Hot and Humid Days?

Window Units

• A window unit that cycles frequently is likely on its power saver, or energy consumption reducing mode. In this mode, the air conditioner will run until the temperature in the room reaches a certain temperature. The compressor in the unit will then shut off, and the air conditioner will continue to dehumidify the air. Once the temperature rises again, the compressor will turn on and the unit will begin cooling the air once more. Placing your air conditioner in a non-power conserving mode is the only way to stop the unit from cycling.

Central Air Conditioning

• A central air conditioner works to cool and dehumidify the air by taking in room temperature air from your house and blowing it across Freon coils. These cold coils gather condensation while simultaneously cooling the air. The condensation drips into a pan and drains, reducing the indoor humidity, and the cold air is circulated back into the home. On a hot and humid day, indoor air temperatures and humidity levels also go up.

Air Conditioning Thermostats

• Most modern air conditioners have thermostats that turn on when the indoor temperature reaches a certain level or the indoor humidity goes beyond a specific percentage. On a hot and humid day, an air conditioner will run until both of these measurements are below the levels you have set. The indoor temperature then rapidly rises again, triggering the air conditioner to turn back on. On cooler days, more time is required for the indoor temperature and humidity to rise, and thus there are longer periods during which the air conditioner is not running.

Water Output

• In addition to noticing your air conditioner cycling more rapidly on a hot day, you may find that its water output is significantly higher. The condensation drain outside your house may drain as much as 10 gallons of water per day on a humid day. This, along with the unit cycling, is a symptom of the increased temperature and humidity and not indicative of a problem with the unit.