Is it bad on our AC unit to keep turning the temperature up and down so it will keep kicking on and off?

Question

My wife and I can't seem to settle on a temperature so we do this several times a day.

Answer 1

USA   I agree with James F.  A programmable stat is the way to go, so you can set it for different temps for different time periods.  You really should check into ceiling fans - they are cheaper to run, and work quite well when the temps are moderate - 75 to 80 degrees or so.  You might want to also try other methods of cooling the house.  Use shades at those windows where the sun beats in, to keep it out.  Extra insulation - this helps save money on cooling and heating bills.  Good quality windows.  Dehumidification.

Answer 2

I would say that this is a bad practice for a properly operating a/c system.  During summertime, when a cool house is desired, I would suggest that you and your wife agree that the themostat control be set for the coolness that is (within reason) comfortable for the mate that feels so.  The other mate, if cold-natured, can ALWAYS put ON and additional jacket or robe of sufficient thickness to remain warm.  The same agreeable arrangement could be arrived at for keeping the home comfortably cool for one (loving mate) in the wintertime. eh?

Answer 3

Short cycling the compressor will do more to shorten the life of the compressor than anything else you can possibly do,as a home owner.A compressor changeout will cost around 2000$.I would get together and discuss it and settle for somewhere in the middle.

Answer 4

VERY bad for an A/C to keep turning it up and down.  If one of you gets too cold, put on a sweater or sweat shirt.

Answer 5

I don't think it does any harm to the Ac unit to turn it off and on but you will notice a higher electric bill.

Answer 6

It isn't a good idea to fiddle with the temperature excessively.  

That said, you can save a lot of money with a modern, programmable thermostat that turns up the A/C at night when you are sleeping and turns it back when you leave for work.  So changing the temperature at a few different points in the day is normal and should not cause excessive wear on the system.

But you should not be turning it up or down every half hour or so because you and your wife can't settle on a common, comfortable temperature.  That is creating extra cycles on the compressor, causing excess wear on the parts and it is also very energy inefficient.  You want to set it and leave it for hours at a time.  A modern, programmable thermostat helps you to save money because it eventually learns about how much run time is generally required to knock the temperature up or down a degree and can calibrate its calls for cooling so the system doesn't cycle as often and runs more efficiently.

Invest in ceiling fans, they can lower the apparent temperature in rooms you are occupying several degrees and they use very little energy.  They are also cheaper than trading in your wife for a new one that shares your temperature preferences.  :-)  

Good luck.

Answer 7

yes buy electical one glad to know me and my wife aint the only ones let me guess she gets cold real easy while your hot...