Do Old AC Units Use More Electricity?

Looking for a way to make your cooling system more efficient? Call the experts at Gladiator Services at (201) 512-8972.

Can you imagine life without air conditioners? People take these modern marvels for granted, relying on them to keep cool and comfortable no matter how hot it gets outside. Yet, it's all too common for air conditioners to wear down over time.

If you have an older air conditioner unit, you might ask, "Do old AC units use more electricity?" At Gladiator Services, we offer air conditioning replacement in Hillsdale, NJ, and know when it's time to upgrade an old unit.

In this guide, we explain why old AC units use more electricity, how long you can expect your system to last, and some common problems people have with older units. We also talk about when it's best for you to replace your AC unit and how air conditioning professionals can help you choose the right unit.

How Long Do AC Units Last?

If you're wondering, "Do old AC units use more electricity?" you're probably also curious how long your AC system will last. There's no one answer to this question, as it depends on countless variables and factors that can make all the difference.

There are many different types of AC units, but usually, most are portable, window, or split systems by design. Unfortunately, portable units, as convenient and amazing as they are, often struggle to cool down larger living spaces, suffering wear and tear over time. However, portable air conditioners often fail sooner in smaller spots like apartments or condos than traditional, whole-home split systems. Window units are much the same.

Usage frequency matters a ton when keeping your air conditioning unit working smoothly. If you put your air conditioner through a lot on a daily basis, jacking up the heat to 11 like there's no tomorrow, you're going to have more issues with unit longevity.

The most important factor that affects air conditioner lifespan, however, is age. It makes sense; newer air conditioners have modern parts and less usage history. So if you have an air conditioner over a decade old, chances are your unit will fail pretty soon and use a lot of electricity.

Why Do Old AC Units Use More Electricity?

Older AC units have been through a lot. They've dutifully powered your home for many years, causing strain on their many parts. Since air conditioners rely on so many unique components, like compressors and evaporators, so much can go wrong.

Even if only one or two of your unit's pieces aren't working, it will force your AC unit to use more electricity. For instance, a fan motor with some old, frayed wires isn't going to work well at a normal electric capacity; it needs more power than usual to compensate. 

Why Are Old AC Units Bad?

Now that you know the answer to the question, "Do old AC units use more electricity?" you still might have some issues understanding why exactly that's a problem. Even if you love your old AC unit to death, you have to admit: old AC units are bad for you and the environment.

Lower Energy Efficiency

As explained earlier, older air conditioners don't use electricity effectively; they're not energy-efficient. With an older unit, you could set it to full blast and have it fire on all cylinders for hours, only to not have that comfortable temperature you want.

Over time, this problem will worsen, and your unit will devour more and more power. If you contact your local HVAC professionals and get a new unit, it should come with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. Checking this SEER score is a great rule of thumb when purchasing a new unit, as you can determine which will work the best and save you the most money.

Utility Bills

Reducing costs and lowering expenses, especially for utility bills, is a common goal among homeowners. Unfortunately, it's all too common for old air conditioning units to jack up your utility bills, as their increased energy use requires more power and electricity.

While regular maintenance and best practices for using an air conditioner can help, there's no substitute for a brand-new air conditioner. You'll keep your energy costs at a minimum and avoid expensive repairs. 

Refrigerant Leaks

Have you noticed any strange blue liquid pooling up near your air conditioner? Do you smell a faint, sweet odor nearby? If so, there's a solid chance that your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant.

Refrigerant is that special sauce that powers your unit's cooling process. It keeps everything flowing and moving along swimmingly. Without it, your unit can't properly cool air and will struggle to function effectively without using absurd amounts of energy.

When Should I Purchase a New AC Unit?

While modern air conditioners have extended lifespans of about 15 to 20 years, older units don't share that luxury. As stated, they typically last about ten to 12 years before breaking down completely, but this number can vary depending on whether you've done routine maintenance over the years.

If you take good care of your unit and get it serviced, it'll last a long time. In addition, a unit that fits your living space's size and dimensions will have improved longevity and reliability.

If you're not sure how to optimize for these conditions, contact local HVAC professionals. 

Fix Your Air Conditioner Today with Gladiator Services

Do old AC units use more electricity? Yes, which means they can gradually increase your monthly utility bills while failing to deliver maximum comfort for your home.

Instead of settling for subpar comfort and unnecessarily expensive power bills, let our team show you the many advantages of installing a new, more energy-efficient system.

Our team at Gladiator Services strives to be the best HVAC repair and replacement contractor in Glastonbury, CT. We install new AC units and repair old ones, so we guarantee that we can help you out. Call us at (201) 512-8972 to get your quote today!