As your air conditioner ages, it loses some of its efficiency and effectiveness. You may not think that this is a huge deal since investing in a new unit can be pricey. However, older units can also be much less safe to operate.
If your air conditioner is getting close to or exceeding 15 years in operation, it may be time for an upgrade. You can keep reading to learn more about why an older air conditioner may not be safe anymore. When you’re ready, you can give our team a call to schedule an in-home assessment for your new air conditioning in Chambersburg, PA.
Understanding AC Age
The average air conditioner lifespan is usually between 10 and 15 years. The manufacturer’s warranty is in place for 10 years, and many air conditioners last longer than that. In fact, we visit homes all the time with air conditioners that are 20 years old. But just because your air conditioner is still operational, doesn’t mean you should leave it in place.
Air conditioner technology was very different 20 years ago than it is today. Older air conditioners are less efficient, not as good at cooling your space effectively, and they can also pose safety risks. We know it can seem tempting to squeeze every ounce of life out of your existing AC, but it may be putting you at risk.
Safety Risks
Newer air conditioners have a variety of safety mechanisms that are designed to protect your home and family. While air conditioners installed 20 years ago were fantastic for that time period, they are now significantly outdated, especially where safety is concerned.
Technology has boomed in the last two decades, and your older air conditioner may not have the same safety features that are being installed on air conditioners today. You may be at a greater risk for electrical fires, refrigerant leaks, and other problems. Plus, older air conditioners often use an outdated refrigerant called freon that is now banned from use in new air conditioners.
You also have to consider that older ACs can be full of bacteria and even potentially mold after decades of use. Even regular maintenance can’t completely protect your AC from the risks associated with regular aging.
Upgrade Efficiency
We know that it can be daunting to spend thousands of dollars on a brand-new air conditioner. However, it’s really an investment in better energy efficiency for the next 10 to 15 years. This is especially true if you take excellent care of your air conditioner to help maintain strong energy efficiency across its entire lifespan.
When you install the new air conditioner, there is a minimum SEER2 efficiency rating that is required. This means there is a minimum energy efficiency expectation in place across the entire industry. However, you’ll have the opportunity to invest in a high-efficiency air conditioner that uses even less energy, saving you a lot on your monthly energy bills.
Better Overall Effectiveness
Newer air conditioners also cool your home down better overall. Aside from efficiency, and your air conditioner will be able to more consistently. This means your home will be consistently cool across every room and also over the course of a day. You won’t have to worry about your air conditioner struggling to keep your home cool when temperatures are their hottest outside.
To schedule your air conditioning service, contact Premier HVAC Services today!