Your air conditioning unit has become an indispensable part of your life, providing cooling relief during the hottest days of summer. Most AC units can carry on doing this duty for up to 20 years, sometimes even more. Most homeowners use their unit until it throws in the towel. Only then will they replace it.

As your unit gets older, it becomes less efficient and more expensive to operate. In fact, an old AC unit can end up costing you a lot of money in energy bills and repairs. The experts at All American Plumbing, Heating & AC have put together a list of the hidden costs of running an old AC unit.

Higher Energy Bills

As your AC unit ages, it becomes less efficient at converting electricity into cooling power. This results in the unit using more energy to achieve the same level of cooling, which in turn increases your energy bills.

Due to government legislation that demanded more energy efficiency in appliances and advancements in technology, modern AC units use about 50% less energy than units manufactured 20 years ago.

So, if your unit is more than 10 years old, you could be paying a lot more for your cooling than you need to. In fact, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills by replacing an old, inefficient unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

Health Concerns

Older AC units can make you spend more on healthcare costs. This is because they don’t filter the air as effectively, which means more airborne allergens and pollutants can enter your home.

These particles can aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. In fact, studies have shown that people with asthma who live in homes with older AC units are more likely to experience asthma attacks than those who live in homes with newer units.

So, if you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergies, it may be worth replacing your old AC unit to improve your indoor air quality and reduce your healthcare costs.

More Frequent Repairs

As your AC unit gets older, it will inevitably start to experience more problems. This is due to normal wear and tear as well as corrosion of the internal components.

While some repairs may be minor and inexpensive, others can be much more costly. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire unit rather than keep repairing it.

When you invest in a new AC system, you’re guaranteed a period of time where repairs should be covered under a warranty. It is also true that your new unit will take a long while before it will need any repairs. So, you can save money in the long run by replacing an old unit before it starts to break down frequently.

So, if your old AC unit is starting to rack up repair bills, it may be time to replace it with a new one before you spend more money than necessary.

Disruptive Noises

As your AC unit ages, it will start to make more noise. This is due to the build-up of dirt and grime as well as corrosion of the internal components.

While a little bit of noise from your AC unit is normal, excessive noise can be very disruptive. If your unit is making loud banging, clicking, or screeching noises, it’s definitely time to replace it.

Not only is excessive noise from your AC unit annoying, but it can also be a sign of serious problems that will end up costing you a lot of money to repair. So, if your unit is making more noise than usual, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional to see if it needs to be replaced.

If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. This is because an old unit can end up costing you a lot of money in energy bills, repairs, and healthcare costs. So, if you want to save money, it’s best to invest in a new AC unit.

How Much Will You Save When You Purchase a New AC Unit?

If you purchase a new unit now, you’ll avoid inflation, which will save you money in the long run. In addition, newer units are much more energy-efficient than older units, so you’ll save money on your energy bills.

You’ll also avoid the cost of maintaining and repairing an old unit. So, if you’re thinking about replacing your old AC unit, it’s definitely worth it to do so. You’ll save money in the long run and have a much more efficient cooling system.

Are You Ready to Replace Your Old AC Unit?

If you’re not sure whether or not to replace your old AC unit, contact American Plumbing, Heating & AC. We’ll help you assess your needs and find the best AC system for your home. Give us a call today at (209) 710-5629 to schedule a consultation!