R-22 Refrigerant Answers From The AC ExpertsA few years ago we announced that the government was changing their refrigerant standards for residential central air conditioners. In short, they required that the most common refrigerant, R-22 (which also happens to be harmful to the environment) be phased out and eliminated from use by the year 2020. This regulation also required air conditioning manufacturers to cease the shipment of R-22 refrigerant with any newly-produced air conditioning systems. When you buy a new air conditioner these days it will most likely contain the more environmentally-friendly R-410A refrigerant or a legal alternative. Although, some manufacturers have made available new ACs called ‘dry charge’ systems, designed for R-22 refrigerant, but instead of shipping with the refrigerant inside, the refrigerant is added on-site by the contractor during installation.The new refrigerant policies have put many homeowners and HVAC contractors alike in a unique predicament.

The situation raises significant questions about the best solution when an AC problem or AC repair is needed: should the homeowner pay the high price to recharge their system with R-22 refrigerant, or attempt to use an alternate refrigerant, or buy a new air conditioner altogether? home ac units explainedWhen buying a new air conditioning system, should the homeowner buy a new R-410A refrigerant system or risk buying a "dry-charge" system? small split ac unitThe latter is often the lower-cost solution in the short term, but longer-term, repercussions of that choice are becoming clearer; ac-dc power supply design application note 35no new R-22 refrigerant will be produced after the year 2019… which as we get closer to that date, will continue to cause the cost of R-22 to exponentially skyrocket.

Still, that deadline is several years away, and the average life-span of many home air conditioners is 8-15 years.We always make recommendations for a homeowner based on their specific situation, since every home, homeowner and their family is very different. To help clearly consider the options we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions regarding these issues. We hope these FAQs will help you understand fully how the R-22 phase-out will affect your decision-making, and help you ensure your HVAC contractor is really providing recommendations that are truly in your best interest. For more information or specific questions on your home, call us at and we will be happy to schedule a free in-home consultation for you.How do I know if my current air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant?Why does it cost so much more to service my home’s air conditioner now?Why is the R-22 refrigerant being phased out of production?What is the time frame for the R-22 phase-out and how much longer will R-22 be available for my AC?

Do homeowners have to stop using air conditioners that operate with R-22 Refrigerant?Are there approved replacements for R-22 that are more cost effective for needed repairs?Will using R-22 alternative products void the manufacturer’s warranty on the air conditioner?What options are available to homeowners who need service on an air conditioner that operates with R-22?If I choose to replace my outdoor A/C or heat pump unit with a new unit that uses the more environmentally friendly R410A, do I also have to replace the indoor unit?Should I buy a new “Dry Charge” air conditioning system?Why would I buy a R-410A refrigerant system?Greater energy efficiency for reduced cost of comfortLeading technology to reduce humidity and further increase in home comfortCurrent production refrigerant solutions ensuring longer life and extended availability of refrigerantLonger warranty periods for even greater peace of mindQuieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environmentOzone friendly refrigerant for lower impact on the environmentMatched coil solutions for increased reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performanceIs it legal to install Dry Charge units?

There are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, as long as it is as a repair for an existing system.Do new dry charge air conditioning systems have a normal warranty? < Previous January 08, 2013Next > According to an HVAC rule of thumb, you know you need to replace your HVAC unit or furnace when the cost of repairs approaches 30% of the value of your heating or cooling system. That’s because a new system can be 50% more efficient if the existing unit is more than 12 years old. With new equipment, the utility savings start paying you back immediately. Plus, you may avoid costly repair bills in the years ahead. How a Replacement Pays You Back Advancements in central heating and cooling technology are improving energy efficiency as much as 7% per year. So replacing a heat pump, air conditioner or furnace that is more than 10 years old may be a smart move. Our highest efficiency YORK® systems can cut your heating and cooling bills in half, depending on the efficiency of your old system.

Comfort is a Consideration, Too An uncomfortable home can be a sign of improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation. Dust, pollen and mold spores can invade your house from leaky ducts that pull dirty air from attics, crawl spaces and basements. Sealing your ducts may be a solution -- as well as adding air-cleaning equipment. Either way, a properly installed system, ductwork, coils and filters can save money – and your health.Interior temperature and air quality are important elements of a healthy and comfortable home, so repeated problems with an aging or malfunctioning HVAC system should be addressed. If the equipment needs frequent repairs, it may be less expensive in the long run to install a new unit. The life expectancy of an HVAC system varies by type and operating conditions. A heat pump or air conditioner that receives regular maintenance can be expected to last for at least 10 years; a boiler or furnace may reach 15 years of age or more before failing.

Average Cost of HVAC Unit Replacement The cost of HVAC units varies greatly; pricing depends on a number of factors such as the size and type of system and the energy efficiency rating. In addition to the equipment itself, buyers must also consider the cost of installation and any required modifications to the building like additional ductwork. Replacing an existing system costs less than a new installation if there is already functional ductwork in place. Here are the most common types of HVAC equipment types and their average costs. Split systems consist of both indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor unit is an air conditioner to provide cooling; the indoor unit is a furnace to produce heat. Split systems usually cost between $2,000 and $11,000; the average cost is $6,625. Costs will vary based on the type of units included. A central HVAC unit may cost as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,000 for a large unit; the average cost is $2,600. This system is an option for homes without existing ductwork.

Costs for a ductless system range from $2,000 to $7,000; the average cost is $4,500. A standalone gas furnace typically costs between $1,000 and $5,000; the average cost is $2,400. Regular efficiency boilers range in price from $2,500 to $4,000 with an average cost of $3,250. High-efficiency models cost between $5,000 and $9,000 with an average cost of $7,000. Most air handlers cost between $1,000 and $3,500; the average price is $1,700. Commercial HVAC systems are much larger, and pricing will depend on the square footage of the building and other factors. Most commercial systems will cost more than $15,000. The cost of installation is highly variable and depends on the type of system, the choice of contractor and the complexity of the required work. Installation charges for a typical home range from $3,000 to $6,000 with an average cost of about $4,700. Additional ductwork or repairs can increase the installation fees by several thousand dollars. In conclusion, the average homeowner can expect to pay between $5,000 and $11,000 for a completely installed HVAC system.

Variables Affecting HVAC Replacement Cost HVAC Capacity is measured in BTUs and tons. These refer to a unit’s heating and cooling abilities. The square footage of the home, the local climate and other variables determine what size HVAC unit is required. More powerful units are more expensive, but installing a unit that does not have a high enough capacity can cause early equipment failure and increased energy costs. Energy efficiency is another important variable that affects cost. Air conditioners are assigned a seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER). Alternative measurements for heat pump efficiency include the average fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF). Higher ratings denote more efficient systems, and these generally cost more. However, they save homeowners money in the long run by using less energy. Each HVAC equipment retailer will have specific equipment and installation charges. Discounts and special offers may be available;

it is advisable to check several different retailers to find the best prices. Major national brands may be more expensive than lesser-known ones. Before purchasing, buyers should thoroughly research brand names, models and available features to get the best quality system for their money. Programmable thermostats, air purifiers, humidity control features and UV lamps are optional features that will increase cost. Used or refurbished equipment may be available at a discounted price. Some complex systems may only need individual components or units replaced; this decreases the cost of equipment and labor. Colder regions require more powerful systems to maintain desirable temperatures in winter. Units with higher BTU ranges are best for cold climates while systems in the lower BTU ranges are more appropriate for warmer areas. Whether replacing an old HVAC system or purchasing a new one, homeowners should obtain careful measurements of the entire house and record any technical information about existing HVAC equipment.