How long can I leave the AC on?

Factual Questions
1

Well we’ve got a big ole heat wave here in the windy city and I’ve been running my little window unit AC for a few days now. It isn’t the best one in the world and I fear that it is somewhat underpowered for what I’m asking it to do. It is in the bedroom, but I have to leave the door open about 5 inches so that the cats can get in and out. How long can I let the AC run under these conditions? Does its insides ‘freeze up’ (sort of like a non defrosting freezer?). Should I turn it off for a while every day? How long?

It is the opinion of Mrs. Absimia that turning the AC on and off is harder on it than just running it all the time…and seeing as how she’s a repair-chick I’m inclined not to argue. However, her experience with refrigeration may not be totally applicable because I think the compressor might be running all the time.

Any thoughts?

Absimia (obsessed with Air Conditioning).

2

It could freeze up but you would notice a lower air output level

A refrig. will turn off about 1 hr per 24 hrs to prevent freeze up but w/ a window a/c (esp. since it’s underpowered) I don’t think you have to worry about it.

Keep the filter claen and you shouldn’t have any trouble

3

Well, you could call the manf of the AC & ask them. There are too many of them for me to decide
if you should do it or not.