As your air conditioner ages, you might find yourself worrying more about its performance and reliability. Many people find themselves wondering, “Do old AC units use more electricity and cost more to operate?”

In this guide, the team at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating, Bowie’s top-rated air conditioning installation company, reveals everything you should know about your system’s energy consumption. 

Factors Impacting Your Air Conditioner's Electricity Use

Did you know that 88% of Americans have an air conditioner in their homes? Most Bowie residents are a part of this group, given the hot, humid summers they face in Southern Maryland. If your air conditioner is brand-new or less than a decade old, you probably don’t have to worry about it lacking energy efficiency, though older units tend to raise your energy costs. 

Why do old AC units use more electricity? Below is a breakdown of common factors that affect aging cooling systems and their energy consumption. 

The Compressor Wears Down

The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system. Over time, this component receives so much use that it begins to suffer wear and tear. The wearing of your compressor puts additional strain on the system and requires it to work harder to deliver cooling output. 

As a result, you’ll likely find yourself using more electricity to power your system and paying more in energy costs. Reach out to a local HVAC contractor serving Bowie and the surrounding areas. They can recommend either replacing the compressor or installing a brand-new system, depending on the overall quality of your unit. 

Refrigerant Leaks

It’s no secret that Bowie homeowners have to worry about refrigerant leaks when they run their air conditioners. This common problem primarily affects older systems and puts more strain on them. Until you have an expert repair the leak, you’ll likely face higher energy bills due to the greater electricity usage. 

Old Systems Have Lower SEER Ratings

Why do old AC units use more electricity if they don’t need any repairs for broken compressors or refrigerant leaks? Even units in good condition will likely use more electricity than a brand-new system because of their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. Air conditioners with high SEER ratings will work more efficiently and cost you less. 

Say your air conditioner is 10 years old and has a SEER rating of 90%. It’s fairly energy-efficient, but compared to new systems with ratings over 95%, you’ll wind up using more electricity to run your unit. Keep this in mind as your air conditioning ages and new models come out. 

Bowie Homeowners Don't Change Air Filters

It’s easy to forget about changing your system’s air filter, but this can have major consequences for your monthly electric bill. Not only do old AC units use more electricity because of normal wear and tear, but clogged filters can also cause energy consumption to soar even higher. Leaving your HVAC air filter in place for too long causes it to clog with dirt and allergens, leaving you with issues like:

  • Restricted airflow
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Excess strain on your air conditioner

Avoid this common issue by switching out dirty air filters every two to three months. 

Lack of Maintenance

While changing your air filter can help you avoid problems with airflow, it’s not the only form of maintenance that an aging cooling system needs. Older air conditioners naturally lose efficiency over time, but professional maintenance can help. A tune-up service keeps your unit working properly since experts take care of the following tasks:

  • Cleaning internal components
  • Checking refrigerant levels
  • Emptying clogged condensate drains
  • Testing electrical connections
  • Repairing minor issues

Neglecting routine maintenance could force you to replace your system sooner than expected. 

Benefits of Upgrading Your Air Conditioning System

You won’t have to worry about sky-high energy bills when you replace your older air conditioner with a new, more energy-efficient model. Other benefits that await you include:

  • Increased property value
  • Reduced repair costs
  • More accurate temperature control

Making the upgrade will be a worthwhile long-term investment, especially if you’re ready to see increased energy savings. Reach out to a licensed technician near you to learn more about air conditioner replacement. 

Schedule Air Conditioning Services in Bowie, Maryland

Do old AC units use more electricity? How many watts does an AC use? Our technicians at S&L Air Conditioning and Heating can answer all of your burning questions regarding HVAC energy consumption and supply you with a brand-new system. 

To speak with a specialist, call 301-450-7988 today.