If you have a 25-year-old air conditioner in your Northridge, CA home, its continued functionality is a testament to proper sizing and installation, diligent maintenance, and timely repairs. However, replacing this unit is of the utmost importance. The following are eight solid reasons why.
1. Refrigerant Recharge Service Could Cost a Veritable Fortune
If your air conditioner is 25 years old, there’s a good chance that it uses Freon or R-22 refrigerant. Freon was phased out in 2010. As of 2020, this coolant is neither domestically produced nor imported. Although there’s still a small supply of Freon for residential AC recharge services, Freon prices are currently higher than they’ve ever been.
Freon contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), HCFCs are ozone-depleting. Throughout the early 2000s, Freon was replaced with Puron or R-401a. However, while Puron does not contain HCFCs, it does contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As such, it is currently being phased out as well for advanced, Opteon refrigerants that lack both HCFCs and HFCs.
If your AC develops a refrigerant leak, you could pay a small fortune to fix it. Moreover, given that most Freon-reliant air conditioners require recharge service every two to five years, you’re all but guaranteed to need this finite resource eventually.
2. Aging Air Conditioners Are Trouble-Prone
Unfortunately, due to their advanced age, Freon-reliant air conditioners have a high likelihood of developing refrigerant leaks. Your aging air conditioner will likely experience the majority of its repair issues within the last one to two years of its service life. Given that most air conditioners last just 15 to 20 years, that time is now for your AC.
3. AC Efficiency Declines With Age
Not only can you expect regular problems if you hold on to your 25-year-old air conditioner, but you’re also assured of declining performance. Some HVAC professionals assert that air conditioners have lost nearly half of their efficiency after just one decade of use. Although your AC still turns on and cools, it consumes more energy than it once did.
4. A New Air Conditioner Will Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
During annual AC maintenance, we thoroughly clean indoor air handlers and outside condensers. We remove build-ups of dust, lint, hair, and other particulate matter to optimize airflow and improve efficiency. While these efforts also play an important hand in protecting and improving indoor air quality (IAQ), they become less effective to this end over time. Getting all-new home cooling equipment will leave you with cleaner, fresher-smelling air and fewer humidity-related challenges like mildew and mold.
5. Efficiency Incentives Abound
Now is a great time to buy new cooling equipment if you’re looking to save. Under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, consumers can get significant tax credits for HVAC and home efficiency upgrades. While these federal tax credits won’t put cash in your hand right now, they will increase your end-of-year tax return or offset what you owe. There are also rebates available through the California Energy Commission (CEC) along with a variety of HVAC manufacturer rebates. With careful planning, you can significantly limit your out-of-pocket spending.
6. Enjoy Whisper-Quiet AC Performance
No one wants a noisy air conditioner. You should be able to sleep soundly with your air conditioner running, watch the television at a reasonable volume, and speak with and hear others. 25-year-old air conditioners rumble, rattle, and hum even when they lack problems. To compare, a brand-new AC will offer whisper-quiet performance for many years.
7. Ensure the Safety of Your Air Conditioner
Your AC is hardwired into your electrical system. Although we catch and correct problems like faulty circuits and worn electrical contacts during general HVAC maintenance, nothing can truly stop the ravages of time. Having your air conditioner swapped out every two decades or less is key for ensuring electrical safety.
8. Take Advantage of Cutting-Edge Features and Technologies
A lot has happened in the HVAC industry over the past 25 years. Shopping for a new air conditioner is a chance to take advantage of cutting-edge features and technologies. You can pair your new AC with a smart thermostat and zone control system to modernize your property and increase its value and marketability. From variable-speed motors to geofencing, there are countless ways to cut your energy use and optimize your home comfort.
Proudly serving Northridge, CA since 1961, we offer cutting-edge heating and cooling services. We also provide ductless mini-splits, whole-house fans, IAQ improvements, and preventative maintenance plans. To shop our expansive selection of HVAC products or schedule an appointment, contact Kahn Air Conditioning today.
