Do Old AC Units Use More Electricity?

Hickory Heating and Cooling

20 August 2023

Most air conditioners last a decade or longer before requiring a replacement. They help your home maintain a comfortable indoor temperature so your family can stay cool during hot summer afternoons. However, many Hickory residents wonder if their old air conditioners use more electricity than modern models.

So, do old AC units use more electricity? To find out, Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC will explain everything you need to know about an air conditioner’s energy consumption.

Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC is Hickory’s expert AC installation service. If you want to upgrade your property with a new air conditioner without spending a small fortune on subpar service, contact Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC.

Do Old Air Conditioners Need More Energy?

It’s no secret that air conditioners require a lot of energy to adequately cool your home. As one of the biggest contributing factors to your energy bill, most AC units run around the clock once summer takes hold. However, some air conditioners provide more energy efficiency than others and can help save on your monthly energy payments.

So, do old AC units use more electricity? In most cases, yes.

As air conditioners age, their efficiency tends to drop, requiring more energy to maintain your home’s indoor climate. Although most will keep your home’s interior comfortable, they need more energy to keep up with your cooling demands than a newer model. Replacing your unit with a new air conditioner can reduce your home’s energy demands without sacrificing your home’s pleasant indoor climate.

How SEER Ratings Affect Energy Consumption

Every air conditioner has a SEER (Season Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating that informs homeowners of their energy demands. SEER ratings essentially offer energy efficiency ratings for air conditioners. Units with higher SEER ratings provide high-quality cooling without demanding as much energy.

The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner.

Most modern AC systems have higher SEER ratings than older models due to advancements in the industry. When shopping for a new air conditioner, try to find one with a high SEER rating that matches your budget. This will help you keep your energy payments affordable while ensuring your home stays comfortable throughout the summer.

Four Reasons Why Old Air Conditioners Use More Energy

Air conditioners take a beating over time, significantly decreasing their energy efficiency. Below we list a few reasons why most old air conditioners use more energy than newer models.

1. Excessive Wear and Tear

Harsh weather, natural elements, and excess usage can cause substantial wear and tear on air conditioners that worsens over time. This can drastically reduce their energy efficiency, causing them to use more power to keep a cool indoor climate. Regularly hiring professional AC maintenance will help diminish wear and tear while extending the unit’s expected lifespan.

2. Faulty Compressors

Compressors play a vital role in an air conditioner’s cooling process as they push refrigerant through the outdoor system. However, compressors experience reduced performance after about 12 years, requiring the unit to work harder to operate. The increased demand can increase the system’s energy consumption, resulting in higher utility bills.

3. Refrigerant Leaks

Old air conditioners prove more vulnerable to refrigerant leaks that put excessive strain on the system, increasing their energy demands. Although repairing the leak and refilling the refrigerant will reduce its energy consumption, if the air conditioner is 15 years old or older, consider replacing the unit since it will likely leak again. New units are typically more durable and won’t experience leaks for several years or longer if you maintain them correctly.

4. Low SEER Ratings

Again, SEER ratings dictate how much energy efficiency an air conditioning system has. Most older units have lower SEER ratings and require more power. Installing a new air conditioner with a better SEER rating will lower your energy costs while keeping your Hickory residence cool and comfortable year-round.

Contact Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC for Top-Quality Air Conditioning Services in Hickory, North Carolina

If you want to reduce your energy bills and wonder, “Do old AC units use more electricity?” contact Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC. Our team will replace your older system with a modern, energy-efficient model at a price that won’t stress your budget. Whether you need professional AC replacement or want to learn factors affecting the cost of an HVAC service, Hickory Heating & Cooling LLC has you covered.

Give Hickory Heating & Cooling a call at (828) 439-0790 and become one step closer to a new and improved air conditioner in Hickory, North Carolina, today!

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