Is My Old Air Conditioner Dangerous?

Is your old air conditioner giving you trouble? Call Gladiator Services at (201) 571-1715 today for an appointment. 

Many New Jersey residents rely on air conditioners to stay comfortable during the summer. Taking these appliances for granted is easy, leading to a lack of regular maintenance and the use of old, outdated units.

If you have an old air conditioner in your home, you might be tempted to turn it on to avoid sweltering indoor temperatures. But is that advisable?

A drop in performance isn't the only issue you could have with an old air conditioner. Gladiator Services, Mahwah's air conditioning repair experts, explains the potential dangers of old AC units. 

Common Problems Caused by Old Air Conditioners

Reduced Energy Efficiency

One of the most common issues with outdated air conditioning units is reduced performance and energy efficiency. Older units tend to have worn or damaged components. The system will consume more energy to generate the desired output.

Newer air conditioners are more energy-efficient and don't require recurring repairs. 

Frequent Breakdowns

Preventative maintenance like annual tune-ups, coil cleaning, and air filter replacement help air conditioners run smoothly for up to 20 years. However, these appliances won't last forever. Ill-maintained units will break down more quickly. 

Professional air conditioning repair will improve your cooling unit's performance, but repairs aren't always the best solution. If the system constantly needs repairs, you'll spend more money fixing problems than you would by replacing it with a newer model. 

Fire Risks

Outdated electrical wiring is a problem in old air conditioners. Worn, frayed, loosely connected, and damaged wiring are prone to starting electrical fires. Because many of the electrical components within an HVAC system are hidden, you might not realize they create a serious fire risk every time you turn on the air conditioner. 

The best way to ensure that your cooling unit is not a fire hazard is to schedule routine HVAC inspections. Inspections are integral for comprehensive AC maintenance and fire prevention. If wiring problems are severe, your HVAC technician may recommend replacing the unit instead of fixing the wiring. 

Skin Irritation

Air conditioners help regulate indoor humidity. As the cooling system's refrigerant soaks up the heat from indoor air, it also draws in moisture.

An old air conditioner that takes too much moisture from the air can also dry out your skin. The problem doesn't develop overnight; it takes time for your skin to become dry from low indoor humidity. If your home's humidity level is below the ideal minimum of 30% and you run an old AC unit, you'll likely need to apply moisturizer frequently to avoid irritated skin. 

Volatile Chemical Exposure

It's not uncommon for old air conditioners to use harmful chemicals to facilitate the heat transfer that chills indoor air.

For instance, Freon was a popular refrigerant for years. However, this chemical releases chlorine atoms when released into the environment and exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. The chlorine atoms initiate a chain reaction that degrades the earth's ozone layer. 

Since 2020, Freon and other ozone-depleting refrigerants have been phased out, but some old AC models still use them. If your AC uses these hazardous chemicals, it's best to replace the unit with a modern model that doesn't use environmentally dangerous chemicals. 

Bacteria Growth

Air conditioners can be breeding grounds for harmful germs and fungi. Mold and bacteria thrive in damp environments with food sources like dust.

Suppose your AC unit is old and doesn't receive routine maintenance. It could provide the perfect temperature, humidity, and nutrients for destructive particles to grow and circulate through your home's indoor air. 

Respiratory Issues

Prolonged exposure to mold spores and other microorganisms that grow in your old air conditioner and travel through the ductwork can trigger breathing problems. For instance, Legionnaire's Disease is a lung infection caused by the Legionella bacteria. You can often find it in buildings with water-cooled air conditioners. 

Your home likely doesn't use a water-cooled AC unit. However, an old air conditioner full of dirt, germs, mold spores, and other allergens will circulate the particles and trigger respiratory problems. 

Can You Use Air Conditioning Units After a Long Dormant Period?

If you move into a new home with an old air conditioner or haven't used the cooling unit in your current residence for longer than six months, you might wonder if it's okay to use. Most people don't need to use their air conditioners during winter or the entire spring and fall seasons. Because it's expected for cooling units to be off for months at a time, it's not usually a problem to turn it on after a while. 

If the unit is in poor condition, is approaching the end of its lifespan, or has heavy dirt and debris buildup, the system might need a professional tune-up before use. If you're unsure about your AC unit's condition, follow these steps before turning it on for the summer:

• Check the Outdoor Unit: The compressor outdoors needs at least two feet of clearance on all sides for optimal airflow. Inspect the unit and clear away any weeds, leaves, and other debris that could restrict air. 
• Turn on the AC Fan: It's possible to eliminate dust buildup inside your air conditioner. Run it on fan mode for about ten minutes before switching it to cooling mode.
• Schedule Professional Servicing: It's best to have a professional service your HVAC system at least once a year to ensure it's ready for the upcoming summer and winter seasons. 

Stay Cool Indoors with the Help of Gladiator Services

Turn to Gladiator Services for superior air conditioning replacement and installation services instead of risking your home and health using an old air conditioner. Our licensed technicians have years of experience and training in providing comprehensive HVAC services throughout Bergen County, NJ. We can help you know the signs of a bad air compressor, when to get AC repair, and how to make your cooling system more energy efficient. 

Request a free quote from Gladiator Services in Mahwah, NJ by calling (201) 571-1715.