After a dozen years, your computer is completely outdated and inefficient. The same can be said for your air conditioning unit – after 12 years consumers are losing money on their HVAC as technology advancements and efficiency updates make older units an inefficient waste of money while harming the environment, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

Goettl Air Conditioning, the iconic pioneer of cooled air technology, which holds more than 100 patents, agrees with the EPA and recommends that consumers replace their AC unit after 10-12 years. This move can save significant money over the long-term and is especially true in the brutal desert heat.

“We say that dogs age seven years to one year in human time and in the intense heat of the desert, our AC units age more quickly as well,” said Ken Goodrich, CEO and owner of Goettl Air Conditioning. “The longevity of your air conditioning unit depends on many factors – make, model, how it’s used and installed – but the average AC unit typically lasts about 10 to 15 years in the U.S.”

Besides insisting on rigorous demands for installation of a new HVAC unit – something Goettl Air Conditioning is known for – a homeowner can save hundreds of dollars annually on AC units older than 10 years by purchasing a newer, Energy Star-rated system.

“My dog, Sadie, reminds me every day that dogs age seven times faster than people,” adds Goodrich, “Air conditioners age even faster than dogs. But the big difference between dogs and air conditioners is that we love old dogs. An old air conditioner is like an old computer. If your system is more than 11 years old, replace it. It’s old, low-tech., out of warranty and costing you money.”

Goodrich, an HVAC entrepreneur who has bought and sold more than a dozen HVAC companies throughout his career, advises that the size, age, and make of your home are important considerations when replacing your HVAC. Besides sheer square footage, whether you have a two or three story home is important to note to ensure the right sized unit is installed.

“An air conditioners size is measured in tons and its ability to effectively remove heat from the home,” he said. “You don’t want a unit that is too big or too small. A qualified AC technician can help determine the right size for your home.”