If you own a home in Shreveport, LA, you know that its air conditioner is essential to your comfort. However, air conditioning systems are a big investment. So, you’re probably not too keen to buy a new one if your existing one still works. But after your AC reaches a certain age, it’s a smart idea to start shopping for a replacement anyway. On average, you can only expect about 15 years of reliable service from a central AC system. And that’s only if you maintain your system well. So, if your home has an AC that’s 20 years old or older, it’s likely living on borrowed time. Here are all the reasons to replace your home’s 20-year-old air conditioner.
Your AC Is an Environmental Hazard
If your AC is 20 years old or older, there’s a good chance that it relies on a refrigerant called R-22. Also known as Freon, it was once the global standard in refrigeration technology. Unfortunately, it was also a potent greenhouse gas that was slowly destroying Earth’s ozone layer. As a result, Freon is no longer used in AC systems, and in 2020, it became illegal to produce or import.
There’s also a good chance that your 20-year-old air conditioner is already leaking Freon. Over time, deterioration of your AC’s refrigerant lines leads to pinholes and leaks. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it will eventually reduce your AC’s effectiveness, too. And if you get to a point where you need a Freon recharge, you can’t legally access Freon yourself, so you’ll need to call an HVAC company, and it will cost you a significant sum.
Your AC Is Likely Inefficient
When your home’s AC was brand-new, it likely had a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating between 10 and 12. That’s the average for residential air conditioners from 20 years ago. The rating has been updated to SEER2, and now you can’t buy an AC with a SEER2 rating of lower than 13.8 in the Southeast region. Your new AC would be at least 15% more efficient than your existing one.
In reality, though, there’s every reason to believe that a new AC would give you a much bigger efficiency boost. This is because your aging AC is likely much less efficient than it was when it was new. Due to wear and tear over thew years, most 20-year-old air conditioners are only about half as efficient as they were originally. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that with a new sir conditioner, you could save 20% to 40% on your electric bill.
Your AC May Not Meet Your Cooling Needs
Another reason you might want to replace your 20-year-old AC is that it likely no longer meets your cooling needs. There can be a variety of reasons for this. One is that air conditioners gradually lose a bit of cooling capacity as they age. If you’ve noticed your AC running longer and longer just to maintain the temperature you want, this is likely why. Another reason is that our climate is changing.
At the time of your current air conditioner’s installation, Shreveport rarely experienced triple-digit temperatures in the summer. These days, triple-digit temperatures are common in the summer. Worse still, there’s every reason to expect that upward temperature trend to continue. This means you’re going to need your AC more and more in the years to come. And you’re going to need an air conditioner that can operate effectively in extreme heat.
Your AC May Be Ruining Your Indoor Air Quality
Although you may not know it, your AC plays a major role in your home’s indoor air quality. It helps remove dust and dirt from your air, and it also helps regulate indoor humidity. Unfortunately, your aging air conditioner may be struggling to keep your home’s air healthy. As your AC ages, it will gradually become less effective at removing humidity and filtering your air. Regular maintenance can help but will never fully solve the problem.
A new air conditioner would give your home an immediate air quality boost. Not only would it probably remove more humidity, but it would also likely include a more effective air filter. Cleaner air would help you stay more comfortable in your home. It would also help you stay healthier by mitigating allergies and respiratory illnesses. Plus, your existing air conditioner could be spreading odors around your home. A new system might help to eliminate those, too.
A Sudden AC Breakdown Might Be Costly
Here at Bobby L Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co., we know that a new AC is a big purchase. However, a sudden breakdown of your 20-year-old air conditioner could put you in a far worse financial position. For example, if your AC fails on a hot summer weekend night, you can’t just ignore it. You’d have almost no choice but to call for an emergency repair.
Emergency HVAC service can double your labor costs alone. And it may be difficult to find the necessary replacement parts for your old AC. That would also add to the repair cost. Or worse, your AC may turn out to be beyond repair. In that case, you’d end up making a hurried decision on a replacement. That could result in spending more on your new appliance than you otherwise would have.
A New AC Would Be Considerably Quieter
Although you may have grown accustomed to it, your 20-year-old air conditioner is probably quite loud when running. The noise that comes from its outdoor unit may be audible inside your home. Plus, the noise generated by its blower fan is probably more significant than you realize.
Modern AC systems now use advanced compressors and fan blade designs that make them much quieter. As a result, a new AC may be as much as 20 times quieter than the one you have now. It’s almost impossible to convey the difference that can make in your home’s environment. A quieter air conditioner would make it easier for you to sleep, concentrate, and enjoy your home. It would also help you use your home’s outdoor spaces with more peace and quiet during the summer.
Your Local AC Replacement Experts
The bottom line is that replacing your 20-year-old air conditioner is a wise choice. And if you’re ready to make that choice for your Shreveport home, Bobby L Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. can help. We offer comprehensive HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance services. Plus, we offer plumbing services, drain and sewer services, and water heaters, too. We even handle commercial plumbing if you also own a business in the area.
We’ve served local homeowners and businesses for over 60 years, and our reputation for quality service is unmatched. That’s a big reason why we have such a long list of positive customer reviews. We also offer discounts to seniors, first responders, and religious organizations. And if you need help paying for a new AC system, we offer financing options on approved credit.
If you need a replacement for an aging AC in your Shreveport home, call the experts at Bobby L Greene Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Co. today!
