Reformat Mac, Keep Ol Time Machine Backup

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this. I want to reformat my Mac as it seems to be sluggish, but I want to keep it's Time Machine backups intact. If I wipe the Mac can I use the same drive for the new TM backups and still reference the old backups if need be?

Hello the:
Glad everything is working well for you.
FYI regarding your "data used up" observation. An archive and install creates a rather large +"previous system"+ folder. That folder is a sort of +"safety net"+ that contains all of your data and programs before the A&I. You may safely delete it after everything is working well (I usually suggest about three weeks). The reason I suggested an A&I as opposed to an erase and install is that the erase and install does just that - erase everything. IMHO they should be reserved for complete disasters.
Barry

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