MEMPHIS, Tenn. --It's no secret, summer always means a spike in air conditioner repairs. "Now that it's reaching higher temperatures and higher humidity things are picking up," said David Zellers, an area service technician for Alpha Energy Solutions. Just as calls for service have increased, so too have prices. Alpha handles commercial and industrial repairs, but we chatted with Zellers about residential. He said customers shouldn't expect a break in costs anytime soon. "They probably went up I would say at least 75%, maybe 80%. " Zellers is talking about the price of R-22, the refrigerant most folks refer to by the brand name Freon. It's being phased out because of ozone depletion and by 2020, government regulations say no new R-22 or imports will be allowed in the country. So, as the product becomes scarce, but still needed in older units, consumers are paying a higher price. Zellers said when he started in the business more than 20 years ago, his cost for R-22 was less than a dollar a pound.

These days, Zellers said supplier quotes fluctuate daily. "You're looking at anywhere from $80 to $100 per pound, depending on the contractor, depending on the situation," explained Zellers regarding the customer cost. That means repairing a leak will cost a lot. Zellers added, "You could be looking at $1,000 easy." The alternative is even more expensive. Because 2020 is just four years away, Zellers said lots of companies are discouraging the idea of adding R-22 all together. "The technician's going to say 'hey, you need to replace your system.'" Those newer systems use ozone friendly refrigerant, but according to Zellers, can run anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000. WREG asked, "How do I know as a customer though, that I'm not being sucked into something I don't need?" Zellers said, "I would say get multiple quotes." When deciding whether to repair or replace, some experts suggest using the 'rule of 5,000.' Multiply the age of the equipment by the repair cost, if the number is more than $5,000, consider replacement.

For example, a 10-year-old unit with a $350 repair equals $3500, so in that case, it`s okay to repair. Something else to keep in mind is that even the common replacement for R-22, R-410-A, might eventually be phased out as well. An EPA spokesperson confirmed the following with WREG: "The United States and other countries are seeking a global phase down of all HFCs under the Montreal Protocol. That proposed action includes R-410A, made from a blend of HFCs with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP)." Zellers said customers purchasing a new system should specifically ask what type of refrigerant will be used.Installing a new air conditioning system is a major but necessary expense. While being miserable in the summer heat is no fun, it's important to know how to finance a new AC unit or system by comparing all options. Three common methods for paying for installation of your new air conditioning or HVAC system include credit cards, contractors' in-house financing and using a personal loan from a financial institution.

Homeowners may have generous credit lines associated with credit cards, but using a credit card to fund your new AC unit can be costly and possibly detrimental to your credit scores. According to FICO, a major U.S. credit scoring company, amounts owed account for about 30 percent of your credit scores. Depending on your credit standing, your credit cards may also carry higher interest rates than for a personal loan from your bank or other financial institution.window ac units best price Contractors may offer financing for air conditioning equipment and installation costs. can you put a window ac unit in the wallWhile this may be convenient, it's important to review the terms of the financing provided and compare the cost with other financing options. how to size an ac unit to a house

The Federal Trade Commission advises that financing home improvements can carry potential risks unless you've carefully reviewed interest rates, repayment terms and the "small print" for any financing you're considering. Most importantly, it's essential to know whether or not contractor financing puts a lien against your home. Failing to determine this can potentially lead to foreclosure and the loss of your home if you cannot repay your loan. Home equity loans and lines of credit can provide financing for home improvements at lower rates than unsecured loan options, but it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of tapping your home equity for goods and services that can be financed without mortgaging your home and reducing the "security cushion" provided by home equity. Banks and other financial institutions offer personal loans, also called signature loans, for a variety of purposes. The major advantage of personal loans is that they are not secured by your home or other collateral.

You can buy and install your new air conditioner or HVAC system without using your home as collateral. When shopping for a personal loan, it's important to request and review several loan quotes as lender fees, loan terms and interest rates can vary. In general, a personal loan is made for a specific amount with a fixed interest rate and consistent installment payments. This works well for a one-time home improvement, such as installing new air conditioning. If you're considering installing air conditioning or HVAC as part of a major home renovation, a personal line of credit provides access to funds as needed up to your available credit limit. Personal credit lines typically carry variable interest rates and repayment terms; again, it's important to shop and compare multiple quotes for finding your best option. Before making a final decision on how to finance a new ac unit, be sure to shop carefully for equipment and contractors. Installing environmentally friendly air conditioning equipment and comparing local contractors can also help you save in the near and longer term.