Is it bad to turn AC on and off frequently?

While turning your AC off will obviously help keep costs down, frequently switching it on and off again can force the unit to run at lower speeds for shorter periods, as there is not enough time for the air conditioning to reach full power. Turning the AC on and off frequently will prevent it from reaching its full cooling potential. This can also strain your unit and contribute to premature wear and tear as it becomes overworked.

What happens if my AC runs all night?

You may appreciate the constant running of your AC in the summer – and especially during a heatwave – but if you continue to run your air conditioning throughout the night and into the morning it could cause damage to not only your health but also the unit itself. We've discussed the effects keeping your AC has on sleep, but the constant running could also make the unit cold to the point where it breaks. It will reduce the pressure in the evaporator or coiling coil component inside the unit until it freezes over. The freezing could cause the compressor to become damaged and result in your AC no longer working.

What should I set my AC to at night?

If you absolutely must have your AC on at night, there is a recommended temperature. Experts advise the best temperature for sleep is 65°F (18.3°C). Keeping your room on the cooler side will promote better sleep. As Victoria Cedeno , Brand Specialist at Zinus explains, as you prepare for sleep, your metabolism naturally begins to slow down, and in doing so, your core temperature drops.' Of course, this is a guideline, and how comfortable someone is at night will depend on the individual. Most will find their ideal temperature between 60 and 67°F (15.6 and 19.4°C).

You should turn off your AC at night, say sleep experts

turn off your AC at night: Air conditioning unit in bedroom at night

(Image credit: Credit: onurdongel Creative #:1401909185)

By Louise Oliphant

last updated 19 June 2023

in Advice

Louise is your eCommerce Editor and sleep specialist to help you wind down well. A connoisseur of the mattress world, Louise previously covered sleep and wellness (as well as the occasional organizational buy) at Real Homes, and has tried, tested, and reviewed some of the buys for your bedroom. With an MA in International Journalism and PR experience, Louise brings bags of bedding expertise and enjoys nothing more than helping readers find solutions and products that best suit their sleep needs.

Should you turn your AC off at night? Experts warn against running it while you sleep

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