Is your old air conditioner secretly increasing your power bill? Learn how aging ACs affect electricity usage and why replacing them makes financial sense.
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| From degraded compressors to missing inverter tech, old air conditioners are less efficient. Discover how much energy they waste and when to consider a replacement. Symbolic Image: CH |
Dhaka, Bangladesh – July 25, 2025:
Air conditioners have become an essential part of both home and office environments, especially in a tropical country like Bangladesh. During the rainy season, people use ACs not only to cool their indoor spaces but also to maintain balanced humidity for a comfortable atmosphere. While many continue using the same AC unit year after year without facing any apparent problem, a hidden issue often goes unnoticed: increasing electricity consumption from older ACs.
It’s a valid concern. Most air conditioners have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years. When a unit crosses the 10-year mark, it begins to lose efficiency even if it’s still functioning. This decline happens because important components like compressors, motors, and coils wear down over time. As a result, the AC has to work much harder to maintain the desired room temperature, which naturally leads to more electricity usage.
Old ACs are usually built without inverter technology, which is now standard in modern air conditioners. Inverter ACs regulate the compressor speed based on the temperature of the room, ensuring consistent cooling and reduced power consumption. In contrast, non-inverter models run at full capacity and shut off repeatedly, creating power surges and inefficiency. This difference alone contributes significantly to energy waste in older units.
Another reason older ACs consume more power is poor maintenance. When not cleaned or serviced regularly, dust and grime accumulate inside the unit. This clogs airflow, rusts internal parts, and reduces the system’s ability to cool effectively. The AC then has to run longer to achieve the same cooling, using more electricity in the process.
Aging ACs are also prone to gas leaks and refrigerant issues. As the sealing and internal components degrade, leaks become more frequent. When refrigerant levels drop, the cooling performance suffers, forcing the system to work harder and longer, thereby increasing pressure and energy use.
Moreover, many older air conditioners have low energy efficiency ratings, such as one or two stars, compared to the four- and five-star models available today. A low-rated unit consumes far more electricity to produce the same cooling effect, which directly reflects in the monthly electricity bill.
All these issues combine to make old ACs a burden rather than a benefit. While the upfront cost of buying a new air conditioner may seem high, it often pays off in the long run through lower power bills, fewer repairs, and improved performance. Modern inverter ACs also come with smart controls, cleaner air filtration systems, and environment-friendly refrigerants, making them a much better investment in terms of both comfort and sustainability.
If your AC is more than 10 years old, now is the right time to consider a replacement. You’ll not only enjoy faster and more reliable cooling but also notice a visible drop in your electricity bill. In today’s world, where energy efficiency matters both economically and environmentally, holding on to an outdated AC could be costing you more than you realize.
In conclusion, while older air conditioners may continue to run, they do so inefficiently and expensively. Upgrading to a newer, smarter AC model can transform your indoor comfort experience while keeping your power consumption in check.