Do Air Conditioners Lose Efficiency Over Time in Tulsa, OK?
With the costs of just about everything soaring these days, homeowners in Tulsa are looking for ways to keep their bills in check. That includes electric bills, but when the summer temperatures hover in the 80s and 90s, it can be hard to balance the desire to save money while also running the air conditioning all the time.
As their bills go up and it gets harder to keep their homes comfortable, many homeowners wonder, “Do air conditioners lose efficiency over time?” The short answer is yes. Here, Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing discusses why this happens and how professional AC repair in Tulsa, OK can help you stay cool and keep your budget intact.
Why Air Conditioners Lose Efficiency
Appliance technology is always improving, and a brand-new air conditioning system will undoubtedly be more efficient than one that’s a decade old. However, even if your air conditioner is only a few years old, it’s probably not as efficient as it was when it was brand-new.
The fact is all appliances lose efficiency over time for several reasons:
Wear and Tear
An air conditioner in Tulsa must withstand a great deal of wear and tear. Most units run for the majority of the year, and at the height of summer, they run almost constantly. The efficiency of older air conditioners is more likely to suffer due to wear and tear since there’s a greater chance for the mechanical components to wear out and stop working as well as they should.
Wear and tear also occurs because air conditioning units are outdoors. Constant exposure to the elements, including fluctuating temperatures, rain, occasional snow, and sunlight, can contribute to mechanical deterioration and reduce efficiency.
Poor Maintenance
Although even the most meticulously maintained air conditioners will eventually become less efficient, poor maintenance is a significant factor in the overall lifespan and cost of running the system.
Clogged air filters, dirty condenser and evaporator coils, and loose electrical connections can all cause the air conditioning system to work harder, effectively reducing its efficiency.
Old Refrigerant
If you’re struggling to keep your Tulsa home cool and asking the AC repair technician, “Do air conditioners lose efficiency over time?” they’ll tell you yes, especially if your unit still contains R22 refrigerant.
Older air conditioners may still contain this outdated coolant, which the government phased out several years ago. Not only is the gas harmful to the environment, but it’s not nearly as efficient for cooling your home as the newer refrigerants used in air conditioners.
Is It Time for an Air Conditioner System Replacement?
When your air conditioner steadily becomes more inefficient, struggling to keep your home cool while costing more every year, you might think it’s time for an HVAC system replacement. Proper maintenance can keep the system running smoothly for well over a decade, but there are some signs that it’s time for an upgrade:
- Your HVAC system is over 15 years old
- Your utility bills keep increasing
- Your home never cools off, even though the air conditioner runs constantly
- You notice hot and cold spots throughout your home
- The thermostat readings are inaccurate
Tips to Keep Your Tulsa Air Conditioner Working Efficiently
Now that you know the answer to “Do air conditioners lose efficiency over time?” how can you keep your unit in top condition for as long as possible?
The most important thing to do is maintain the unit. Changing the air filter at the recommended intervals and scheduling professional maintenance at least once a year can go a long way toward preventing malfunctions and supporting efficiency.
Reducing wear and tear on the unit can also preserve efficiency. Do this by:
- Closing the curtains during the day to help keep rooms cool
- Investing in a programmable thermostat
- Keeping the area around the outdoor unit debris-free
- Avoiding extra heat on hot days by using the oven, dryer, etc.
- Installing the thermostat away from direct sunlight, lamps, and heat-producing appliances
Turn to Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing for All Your Air Conditioning Needs in Tulsa, OK
Many customers ask us, “Do air conditioners lose efficiency over time?” and although the answer is “yes,” with help from Quality Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing, you can maintain maximum efficiency and save money. Schedule an air conditioner inspection and maintenance visit in Tulsa today, and one of our professional technicians will evaluate your system. If you need a new system, we can help you choose the best one based on AC efficiency ratings and your needs.
Make an appointment for AC service today by calling 918-262-5245 or using our online form.
Cassie Pound is the Vice President of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric with locations in Tulsa, Glenpool, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma.