Do Old AC Units Use More Electricity in Bozeman, MT?

You're no stranger to its hot summers if you live or work in Bozeman, Montana. As such, you likely stay cool with a cooling unit, which is one of the biggest energy consumers in most residences. But do old AC units use more electricity than newer updated models?

Whenever you seek trusted HVAC services in Bozeman, MT, like those we provide at Premier Systems, your unit's energy consumption should be a priority. Below, our team details the electricity consumption of outdated AC systems and what you could do to remedy it.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE POWER USAGE OF OLDER AIR CONDITIONERS IN BOZEMAN

Bozeman's climate is continental, which means the region experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures can reach well into the 90s, so it's common for residents to use air conditioners for months as indoor climate control. 

The problem is that air conditioners have a typical life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. The energy efficiency of old AC units will decline once it reaches the 10 to 15-year mark. 

HVAC systems already consume significant power, making them one of the biggest electricity consumers in most households. Still, outdated air conditioners in Bozeman can overconsume energy for multiple reasons, leading to steadily increasing utility bills. 

WHY OLDER Bozeman AIR CONDITIONING UNITS CONSUME SO MUCH POWER 

Do old AC units use more electricity? They usually do. Yet, the reasons for the increase in power consumption can vary across Bozeman households. The following are some of the most common reasons older air conditioners use more energy than new models. 

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is an important liquid-to-gas chemical that helps with the heat absorption process to remove warmth from indoor air. It circulates on a closed loop through the evaporator and condenser coils and never needs topping off. Yet, if your air conditioner has a low refrigerant level due to a leak, it'll compensate for the loss by consuming extra energy.

Overuse

Since Bozeman gets so hot in the summer, it's common for residents to occasionally overuse their air conditioners. This practice can overwork the system, leading to premature wear and tear along with extra energy consumption.

No Maintenance

All air conditioners in Bozeman benefit from preventative maintenance. The service includes professional equipment inspection, air filter changing, cleaning, minor repairs, and system recalibrations to optimize system performance. The technician can spot problems in their earliest stages and make adjustments to avoid costly problems.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY COMPARISON: NEW VS. OLD AC SYSTEMS

The energy cost of old vs new AC units can vary drastically. New models are generally more energy-efficient, allowing them to have excellent cooling output and system performance without consuming excessive electricity. They're also less prone to wear and damage that could force the unit to overwork itself, especially when they get regular maintenance. 

On the other hand, the older an air conditioner gets, the harder it has to work; the harder it has to work, the more vulnerable it becomes to wear and tear, which decreases its efficiency and performance. All of this leads to increased electricity consumption and higher utility expenses.

HOW TO BEAT THE LACK OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN OLD COOLING UNITS

We at Premier Systems recommend upgrading to a new, energy-efficient air conditioner for your Bozeman residence if your old cooling unit uses more electricity than it should. Air conditioner replacement is usually ideal once a unit reaches its fifteenth year since its energy efficiency and performance will likely decline by that point. 

Qualified HVAC technicians can help you select the best cooling system to accommodate your Bozeman property's cooling and energy needs. If you're hesitant about getting a new air conditioner because your current older model still works, consider these benefits of an upgrade:

• Longer life expectancy
• Fewer repair needs
• Money savings on monthly utility bills
• Better energy efficiency and performance

REACH OUT TO PREMIER SYSTEMS TODAY FOR YOUR Bozeman HOME'S AIR CONDITIONING UPGRADE 

"Yes" is usually the answer to "Do old AC units use more electricity?" Fortunately, you don't have to suffer the impact of your electric bill due to an old AC unit when you put your trust in Premier Systems. We're one of the top-rated HVAC companies serving Bozeman, Montana, and our licensed, trained, and courteous technicians offer comprehensive heating and cooling services, including air conditioner repair.

We're also available 24/7 for emergencies and offer free estimates on HVAC replacements. Whether you're ready to upgrade your cooling unit or want to know if it's more energy-efficient to leave the AC on, Premier Systems can help—call (406) 333-0177 to book your appointment.