Are New Air Conditioners More Efficient Than Old Ones?

Efficiency. It’s the top concern of almost any home improvement project. Why install a new appliance if it can’t help save money and work better at the same time?

Luckily, for almost anything you buy today, you’ll bring in a variety of advanced features and benefits. Your air conditioner is no exception. 

A lot can happen in just a few years. Technology changes all the time. And with every advancement we make, air conditioner manufacturers apply new technology to their equipment, giving each production model an upgrade. That can benefit you in more ways than one. 

How old is your air conditioner?

If you’ve been in your home for a while, you may remember when you installed your HVAC equipment. 

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. They are three separate units, each installed originally together, and most likely upgraded separately depending on how old your home is. Heating consists of your furnace, ventilation includes the ductwork that runs through your home, and air conditioning includes your air conditioner. 

If you’ve moved in recently and you aren’t sure how old your air conditioner is, all manufacturers have a nameplate with the branding information. It should be listed somewhere on the air conditioner. If it’s not visible, you can look for the serial number, which the manufacturer can then help you determine the age. Installation date and the age of the unit will be closely aligned – HVAC companies almost always install the latest equipment on the market. 

It’s not just about age

When you purchase a new air conditioner, you’ll have different levels of efficiency available to you. AC units come with SEER ratings – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER ratings tell you how efficient the unit will be as it operates to keep you cool. In most cases, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient it will be. A unit with a 16 SEER rating will be more efficient than one rated at 13. The higher unit may cost more initially, but it will save you money on your utility bills long term. 

Yet even the highest SEER rated AC unit is only as good as how the equipment operates today. 

As equipment operates, it becomes less efficient over time. Parts wear down. Leaks can occur. And even the highest rated unit from a few years ago might not give you optimal results. 

Regular maintenance is your best line of defense. But even with regular maintenance, your old air conditioner will eventually wear out. 

Efficiency starts with selecting a high-quality air conditioner. Efficiency continues with a well-maintained unit. And when it’s no longer providing you with the cooled air flow you need for your home, efficiency comes from selecting a new air conditioner better suited for your needs. 

How can we help you find the right air conditioner for you?