Is Your Old AC Costing You Money?
An old air conditioner could be costing you money, without you even realizing it. In an area like ours at the Jersey Shore, we see all sorts of different air conditioners, and some are VERY old. When we talk to homeowners about them, a lot of them say the same thing, “We don’t want to pay for a new AC.”
This is completely understandable. New air conditioning systems cost thousands of dollars, and are usually a pretty big investment in your home. What most people do not realize is that the old air conditioner that they run is probably costing them more in the long run.
In this article, I’ll go over how an old AC may be costing you money unnecessarily. There are a few factors that come into play, other than the cost of a new system, that can help you decide if you should make an upgrade to your air conditioning.
If you think it’s time for a new AC, we can come take a look at your old system, and suggest some solutions. The consultation is free, and we would be happy to help you out. We are located in Ocean City, NJ, and serve all the Jersey Shore points, from Atlantic City to Cape May. Give us a call at (609) 390-3907, or contact us online!
Contact Us About Your AC System
How Can An Old AC Cost You Money
Your air conditioning system is one of the most important things you have in your home during the Summer. It keeps your home cool, and has a big impact on your energy bills as well. I know when I was growing up, our parents waited until the last possible day to turn the AC on, and keep the energy bills from rising as long as they could.
Today, we have more advanced technology that allows you to run your AC, without the energy bills skyrocketing. If your energy bills are going through the roof, or you are in need of repairs, your old AC may not be saving you as much money as you think it is.
Lost Energy Efficiency
If you have an older air conditioner, chances are it’s not as energy efficient as a newer unit. There are a few reasons for that:
- Your system has older technology: Older AC systems simply don’t have as great of technology as newer ones. Recently there has also been a new requirement for SEER (the efficiency rating) of AC systems. Now the ones in our area require a minimum of 14 SEER. If you have an AC that has a low SEER, it simply isn’t going to run as efficiently as a newer model.
- Your system has wear and tear: This is normal. Every machine goes through a bit of wear and tear as it ages. Your air conditioner is no different. Regular AC service is the best way to make sure you are keeping your AC in good shape, and energy efficient.
It’s not always noticeable at first glance if your air conditioner is running less efficiently. Make sure to keep an eye on your energy bills. Compare them to last year’s usage, and your neighbor’s. Make sure you aren’t paying far more, or consistently using more energy than last Summer.
Frequent Repairs
An obvious way that you are spending too much money on an old air conditioner is by paying for repairs. If you have an older system that breaks down frequently, sinking money into repairs may not be as economical as replacing the old system. There are a few factors you should consider.
- How old is your system? If your AC is more than 10 years old, you should consider a replacement instead of spending money on a failing system. If your AC is newer, consider the repair and make sure to schedule regular maintenance to avoid future issues.
- How much is your repair? If the repair is in the 4 figure range, think about a replacement. Especially if your system is older. Even if you decide to finance the new system, you can use the repair cost as a down payment. If the repair is cheaper, go with the repair, as long as the system is running well once it is fixed.
Using Freon (R-22)
If your air conditioner uses Freon, it’s an older model. Freon production and importation was halted in the US in 2020. The reason for this is that this gas, when used by an air conditioning system, then gets into the air and depletes the Ozone. Now, no air conditioning systems installed today use it. Instead they use Puron, a cleaner, more efficient refrigerant.
If your system needs a refill of R-22, it is going to be expensive due to the lack of supply. If you need to restock on Freon, talk to an HVAC contractor and weigh your options. It may be a better move to make the switch to a newer AC system.
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How Long Does An Air Conditioner Last?
In this article, we mention “old air conditioners”, but how old is an old one? AC systems last from 10-15 years, with some even getting to 20+ if they have the right maintenance performed. Now at the Jersey Shore, we can have some issues with rust and corrosion due to the salt in the air.
Newer AC systems are designed with coating to protect from this issue, but older models may not be. We have seen some systems that get rusty VERY quickly, so in our area, AC systems may age a little faster.
So, what is an Old AC system? We would say anything over 5 years is getting older, but over 10 years and it’s officially old.
How An AC Replacement Can Save Money And Improve Comfort
So now that you know about how an old AC may cost you extra money, how will a new AC help you save money?
- Lower energy bills: If you are using a new, energy efficient air conditioner, you are going to see your energy bills go down. Depending on your situation, this is going to be between hundreds, and maybe even thousands of dollars a summer.
- Fewer breakdowns and repairs: With a new AC system, it’s likely going to be years before you have any problems, and need a repair performed. We recommend regular AC service to ensure your system is in tip top shape!
- Rebates & Tax Credits: Many new high efficiency AC systems and heat pumps come with tax credits and rebates available. So even though you are spending money to install the new system, you could save on the initial costs.
Replacing Your AC In Ocean City, NJ
If you have an old AC and are looking for some help with a replacement, Broadley’s is here to help! We have been installing, servicing and repairing air conditioners in Ocean City, NJ, and at all the Jersey Shore points for decades. Give us a call at (609) 390-3907, or contact us online!