Something worth considering is that the new HVAC units will be much more energy efficient than the old ones (especially if you have a double one). Yes, older air conditioning units consume much more electricity than modern air conditioning units. Over time, wear and tear reduces efficiency, meaning the unit has to work harder to cool your home. Coupled with outdated technology and a lower SEER rating, a 25-year-old air conditioner can consume twice as much energy as a newer, higher-efficiency model.
Upgrading to a modern system not only lowers your energy bills, but it also reduces your carbon footprint. Air conditioners last 12 to 20 years, an average of 25 years is something that has already happened. Older systems operate with much lower SEER ratings, meaning higher utility bills. Modern air conditioning units no longer use R-22, a refrigerant that the government is phasing out due to its ozone-destroying qualities.
The refrigerant used in new air conditioning units works better and is less likely to damage the atmosphere. In addition to this important change, modern air conditioning units are generally built to be more energy efficient than their older counterparts. This saves you money on energy bills and keeps CO2 out of the air. Older HVAC units tend to be less efficient than newer models, and as they age, wear and tear further reduces their efficiency.
As technology in the air conditioning industry has improved, newer models have become increasingly efficient from the point of view energetic. This is usually marked by your SEER rating, or seasonal energy efficiency index. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system will be. While older HVAC systems from the early 2000s used to have a SEER rating of around 10, current federal standards require a minimum of 15 SEER for new residential systems installed in the South.
The first thing any upgrade will do is reduce energy consumption. A 20-year-old air conditioning system can use 6 kWh of electricity to cool an average-sized home. A modern air conditioning system could cool that same house with just 1.71 kWh of electricity. This incredible performance is made possible by advanced features such as the two-stage scroll compressor, which has replaced the old single-phase piston-driven compressors of the past.
Older air conditioning units tend to be less energy efficient than newer models. Advances in technology have led to the development of more energy efficient units, which can lead to significant cost savings on utility bills. Upgrading to a newer model will not only help you reduce your environmental impact, but it will also save you money in the long run. If you find yourself calling for repairs or scheduling frequent maintenance visits for your old air conditioning unit, it may be a sign that it's time to replace it.
Evaluating the performance of your old air conditioning unit involves considering factors such as energy efficiency issues, frequent repairs or maintenance issues and the impact on your overall comfort. If you have a 25-year-old air conditioner in your home in Northridge, California, its continued functionality is a testament to proper size and installation, diligent maintenance, and timely air conditioner repairs.
