Air Conditioning Systems Over Ten Years Old Often No Longer Make The Grade

If your home’s air conditioner is over 10 years old, it may be time for a new one. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Decision Analyst, Inc. showed very high satisfaction ratings among consumers who upgraded to a new high efficiency a/c system. Of course there are many reasons for this. Here are just a few.

Lower Energy Costs
You’ve probably heard of SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This number measures the a/c unit’s efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the system. Older air conditioners typically have much lower SEER ratings than today’s systems, causing homeowners to pay more each month in energy costs. Upgrading to a high efficiency unit can mean real savings each and every month.

Less Humidity Means Greater Comfort
In addition to keeping you cool, your air conditioning system also removes humidity from inside your home. To do this most effectively, all the elements of the system must be properly matched and installed. In systems over ten years old, often one or more components no longer work at peak performance, dramatically lowering its ability to remove humidity. On the other hand, a new a/c can remove up to 20 gallons of water a day from your home’s air, leaving you as comfortable as you are cool.

Cleaner Indoor Air
All the air you breathe inside your home passes through your air conditioner’s filter. Most older units utilize simple filters that don’t stop the smaller particles captured by filters designed for newer a/c units. Also, dust, pollen, and other impurities can build up inside your system over the years. These harmful micro-organisms are then recirculated throughout your home. What’s more, advances in air handler technology have improved the way air is drawn over today’s filters, so more impurities are taken out of the air whenever your system is running. When you upgrade to a new a/c, you’ll breathe easier.

Old A/C Coils Often Corrode
Most coils in older a/c units are the type referred to as “copper coils.” These are actually combination metal coils with copper tubing and aluminum fins. Homeowners sometimes have problems with this combination because of chemical or galvanic reactions taking place between the different metals and causing corrosion. On the other hand, Spine Fin™ coils in Trane air conditioners feature aluminum alloy tubing and fins, eliminating corrosion problems caused by dissimilar metals.

Older A/C Systems Often Leak Refrigerant
Air conditioning systems contain a series of brazed joints, especially in the coils. Over time, vibrations that occur while the system is running may cause these joints to crack and leak. Installing a new a/c system eliminates this problem, maintaining the unit’s higher efficiency. And the improved metals and advanced methods in today’s systems will help keep your new a/c operating at its best for years to come.

More Even Temperatures Throughout Your Home
One of the the most common complaints heard by owners of older a/c systems is that their homes contain hot spots and cold spots. After installing a new high efficiency system, this area received the highest satisfaction ratings. If temperatures throughout your home are uneven, you may benefit greatly from a new a/c.

As in any field, advances in air conditioning technology have improved dramatically in the past ten years. So if your system is of the older variety, a no-cost consultation with an air conditioning professional might be a very good idea. After all, practically nothing is more important than your money, your comfort, and the quality of air that you breathe.