Should I replace my 20 year old air conditioner?
According to Energy Star, you should consider replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old, and you should seriously consider replacing the air conditioner if it's more than 15 years old—as this is the average lifespan of most cooling devices.
The longevity of your system can also depend on other factors such as the quality of the original installation and how well the unit was maintained. But the general rule is that if your system is over ten years old, it's time to give the replacement option some serious consideration.
But if your unit is 20 years or older and you're constantly scheduling repairs, then it might be time to consider getting an air conditioning replacement. This is especially true if the repair costs are close to 50% of your AC's market value. Regular upkeep can greatly affect your AC's performance and lifespan.
The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but as these systems age, they tend to get less efficient. If your HVAC is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient unit, such as one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label.
If you kept your air conditioner in good condition over its lifetime, expect to need a replacement in about 10-15 years. Keep in mind that as your A/C grows older, its mechanical parts can become unavailable or obsolete over time. If you aren't able to replace a broken part, you will need to purchase new unit.
It is highly unlikely that your unit will last 30 years before needing to be replaced, however, if you follow a regular preventative maintenance routine and run it appropriately, your chances of keeping the same unit for around 15 years increases dramatically.
In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course.
Furthermore, some air conditioners can last up to 40 years in extreme cases, but even with proper maintenance, this is extremely rare. Moreover, you can expect your device to last nearly three decades with premium products and services.
The SEER ratings of 20 year old air conditioners is 10 to 12 SEER. In 1992, 20 years ago, the US Department of Energy raised the minimum SEER rating to 10. There wasn't a broad range of options – just up to 12. And if your AC is older than 20 years, it's efficiency could be as low as 8, going back to 1986.
How much more energy-efficient are new air conditioners? New models have much higher energy efficiency ratings than your 20-year-old system. If your current AC unit has a SEER rating of ten or lower, you're wasting money while cooling your home. Modern AC systems use significantly less electricity to cool your home.
Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?
“If your ductwork is over 15 years old, you probably should replace it. Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”
Age absolutely matters when it comes to HVAC. According to ENERGY STAR®, if your air conditioning unit is older than 10 years and/or your furnace is older than 15 years, it's time to consider a replacement.
- Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. ...
- AC Thermostat is Not Working. ...
- Little Air Blows Out of Vents. ...
- Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. ...
- Strange Odors When AC Turned On. ...
- Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. ...
- Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.
The refrigerant that new AC units use works better and are less likely to damage our atmosphere. On top of this major change, modern AC units are generally built to be more energy efficient than their older counterparts. This saves you money on energy bills and keeps CO2 out of the air.
Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal: 30 years.
Why You Should Replace It Before it Breaks. On the one hand, replacing a furnace before it breaks can save you money in the long run. Not only will you avoid the cost of an emergency repair, but you'll also be able to take advantage of current furnace models that are more energy-efficient than older models.
If you're looking to buy an air conditioner for the summer, the best time to shop is now! It may seem counterintuitive, but the truth is this: buyers can find the best deals on new air conditioners (and HVAC services) from late February into late March.
Typically, the Department of Energy says the majority of air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it's well past the halfway point. It's smart to start planning for air conditioning installation before it fails so you aren't sweltering while you're waiting for installation.
The ductwork in most homes lasts between 10 and 15 years before problems arise. If your ducts are more than 15 years old, have them replaced before major issues such as pests, gaps, or even collapsed sections of ducts appear.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Is it safe to use an old AC unit?
Not only will an old air conditioner work with less efficiency, there are significant health risks posed by running an old AC unit. Rain and hot temperatures make these air conditioning systems breeding grounds for bacteria. Old units tend to build up bacteria, fungi, and pollen over time.
In most cases, older air conditioning units become more expensive to run due to excessive power consumption. This results in higher power bills, which is not the case with newer units. Users will have to turn the dials a notch higher to keep interior spaces cool.
A high SEER rating indicates better efficiency. Highly efficient air conditioners have efficiency ratings of 25. Old air conditioners have an efficiency rating of 10, which explains why they use so much electricity. Modern technology can eradicate this problem.
The SEER rating indicates the air conditioner's efficiency when cooling, with higher ratings providing the greatest efficiency. The new minimum SEER rating of 14 in 2023 is a significant increase from the current minimum rating of 13, which has been in place since 2006.
Beginning January 1, 2023, there will be two SEER-related changes. First, the minimum SEER rating will increase on HVAC equipment. Currently, new air conditioners must have a minimum SEER of 13 in northern states and 14 in southern states. In 2023, this will change to 14 and 15, respectively.
Starting January 1, 2015, split-system central air conditioners installed in the Southeastern Region of the United States of America must be at least 14 SEER.
An initial, one-time investment in a new HVAC system not only increases the value of your home, but also boosts money going back into your wallet. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, simply upgrading your heating and cooling unit can greatly reduce your monthly utility bills by 20–40%.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your current air conditioner with a newer and more energy-efficient model could help you save 20 to 40 percent on your home's cooling costs, even if your current AC system is just 10 years old.
The most efficient air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
One of the most common mistakes is failing to properly seal the ducts. This can lead to air leaks and loss of energy, as well as reduced indoor air quality. Another common mistake is using too small of a duct or underestimating the amount of airflow required.
Should ductwork be replaced with new AC?
In most cases, when replacing an air conditioner, it is necessary to replace the ductwork. While not always required, many contractors will recommend replacing the ductwork with the AC to ensure maximum efficiency and air quality.
The national average cost to replace ductwork is $1,450–$8,000. These numbers can range anywhere from $250–$12,000 depending on the home's size, system accessibility, and the material used.
Old HVAC units are less efficient over time. Regular use and years of heating and cooling can cause an inefficient HVAC unit. An HVAC system breaks down over time, slowly losing energy efficiency.
Never. You shouldn't have to add refrigerant to a central air conditioner because it doesn't use up the refrigerant. The only reason you would ever need to recharge (that is, add refrigerant to) your A/C is if you have a leak.
Here's our recommendation: You should replace both the outdoor and indoor units together for the following reasons: Old indoor units are incompatible with new outdoor units. Mismatched indoor and outdoor units lead to serious problems. Replacing only one unit can void the manufacturer warranty.
How To Check an AC Unit. To test your central air conditioning system, turn the AC unit on, place a thermometer on the supply register for five minutes, then check the temperature and compare it to the temperature from the return vent.
For modern air conditioners, you can expect units to be rated at SEER values from 13 to 25. As for older units, an average SEER rating lands at about 8 or 9.
The middle of the winter and summer is when HVAC systems are in demand the most, causing prices to soar. The best time to replace your HVAC system is in the early spring, or in the early fall. September is a great month to consider replacing your HVAC system before you start relying on it this winter.
One of the most expensive parts of your AC unit is the compressor. As the heart of your system, the compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through the system, which is responsible for cooling the air in your home.
Why are HVAC systems so expensive? They involve powerful, complicated equipment such as furnaces, central air conditioners, and ductwork that runs through the internal structure of your house. Installation, maintenance, and repairs can get expensive, but they're a good investment in your home.
How long does it take to replace entire HVAC system?
Typically, a full HVAC system installation will take anywhere from three to five days to complete.
There is no doubt that the best time to replace HVAC systems is during the off-season. More than often, the off-season stretches from late September to mid-November and from early March to mid-May is the best time to replace HVAC system for your home or business.
The SEER ratings of 20 year old air conditioners is 10 to 12 SEER. In 1992, 20 years ago, the US Department of Energy raised the minimum SEER rating to 10. There wasn't a broad range of options – just up to 12. And if your AC is older than 20 years, it's efficiency could be as low as 8, going back to 1986.
In most cases, when replacing an air conditioner, it is necessary to replace the ductwork. While not always required, many contractors will recommend replacing the ductwork with the AC to ensure maximum efficiency and air quality.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
| Efficiency Rating (SEER) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 15 -16 | $1,700 – $4,900 |
| 17 – 18 | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| 19 – 21 | $2,500 – $6,700 |
| 22 – 24 | $4,300 – $7,500 |
Most industry experts compare a SEER rating to a car's fuel efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the cooling system should be.
Higher Energy Bills
The older your AC unit gets, the less efficient it can become. In fact, there is a measurement to help you gauge your lost efficiency called The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). Each year that passes, your AC unit can lose up to 9 percent efficiency.
