Many of us rely on air conditioning systems to cope with the heat of the summer months, but in many areas, it is needed all year. Unfortunately, as our air conditioning units age, they tend to use more electricity and require more repairs while not providing the same level of comfort. Although many homeowners are aware of the reduced efficiency of an older air conditioner, you may not know that an old unit could also be putting your family at risk of significant health and safety issues.
The Risks to Safety
Old air conditioner units utilize outdated components and power sources. This includes outdated electrical wiring, a major fire hazard. According to a report by the National Fire Protection Association, 14% of domestic electrical fires over a four year period between 2007 and 2011 were traced to HVAC equipment old wiring, such as space heaters, fans, and air conditioner units. As electrical wiring is usually hidden deep inside the equipment, any problems or issues often go unnoticed. A professional HVAC specialist will be able to check the wiring inside your old unit and identify any potential hazards when your system is being upgraded or installed. This will ensure that all the wires powering the original unit are safe to use.
The Risks to Health:
While a good air conditioning unit can significantly improve the indoor air quality in your home, an old unit can have the reverse effect. According to the CDC, older units can intensify or cause allergies and can cause asthma sufferers to have difficulties.
Inadequate drain pans, poor ventilation power, and contaminated filters or ducts are common issues in older units that can severely compromise the filtration and air quality. Mold problems are also very common in older units, and breathing in mold spores can be very toxic to our health.
If you suffer from any seasonal allergies, it is likely that you are already aware that dander, pollen, and other allergens are at high levels throughout spring and summer. While an old air conditioner will not fully filter these airborne contaminants from your indoor air, a well maintained, a modern unit can be very effective. This will ensure that your allergy is not triggered or exacerbated by your indoor air quality.
Is Your Air Conditioner Old?
Many homeowners wonder whether their air conditioning system is old and in need of replacement. Unfortunately, like all appliances, an air conditioner only has a limited lifespan. According to the U.S Department of Energy, most brands of central air conditioning units have an average lifespan of twenty years. Most experts recommend replacing your unit before it reaches the point where it will suffer a cascade failure. The DOE recommends that homeowners replace their units after ten years to cut energy usage by as much as 40%. Although investing in a new unit may appear costly, this information highlights that not only will your family benefit from less health and safety risks when you replace your older unit, but you could also save some serious money and reduce the environmental impact of your home.