Q: My air conditioning contractor just charged me $100 per pound for R-22 refrigerant. This is a lot more than I paid four years ago. Is this a fair price these days?A: Prices for R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as "Freon," have definitely risen over the past few years.Here's why: About 25 years ago, the EPA ordered the phasing out of R-22 as part of the international treaty on protecting the ozone layer called the "Montreal Protocol," because of the refrigerant's ozone-depleting substances.As part of the agreement, production ended in 2010 for new air conditioning units "charged" with R-22 and production of the refrigerant itself was reduced by 75 percent. By 2015, there will be a 90 percent reduction in the production of R-22. By 2020, it will no longer be produced. Because production is limited, costs to charge existing units that are leaking R-22 refrigerant have gone up and are only expected to rise.I've spoken with a number of highly rated heating and cooling contractors on Angie's List and, depending on how much of a supply they have and how much they paid when they purchased it, these companies are charging three and four times the cost they were just a few years ago.

Companies have quoted prices ranging from $35 to $175 per pound.That comes with a caveat, though. For example, one Long Island-area company representative I spoke with said he charges $35 per pound, but that does not include the cost of a service charge. Most companies seem to charge about $115 for the labor portion. So, if your contractor charged you $100 to replenish one pound and that included the labor, then it sounds like you got a pretty good deal.All that said, I think you need to look at the bigger issue here. You said you paid to have R-22 added to your A/C four years ago. Really, R-22 should never need to be replaced. If your system needs R-22, that means you have a leak. Rather than continuing to pay these increased costs to replenish the leaking R-22, I recommend you find a qualified heating and cooling company to repair the leak.A reputable HVAC technician can also advise you if it makes sense to continue investing in your existing A/C, or if you're better off replacing it.

Heating and cooling companies can recycle R-22 from existing units, which can then been reused to service units beyond 2020. But, as these costs continue to rise, you might find you're better off replacing your old R-22 unit with one that uses the more environmentally friendly R-410A. Unfortunately, R-22 charged units are not compatible with R-410 refrigerant, so you'll have to replace the entire system.The good news is that, if you do invest in a new unit, it will be more environmentally friendly and more energy efficient. You'll save money on your monthly cooling costs — those long-term savings can really add up — and you can take advantage of federal Energy Star tax credits of up to $300 if you buy a qualifying air conditioner this year. Parents Travel All Night To Reunite With Missing SonTwo Things That Make A Vehicle Whistle While It WorksConsumer Reports: Benjamin Moore Best Paint, Behr Best ValueAuriemma Turns To Knicks To Pick Up PointersWitnesses Detail Tense Scenes At Bank, Home As Cheshire Trial OpensGhost Hunter Ed Warren Dies

Noria features smooth curves in a design that measures a mere 5.8 in tall (14.7 cm)With record-breaking temperatures looming ahead like rippling walls of heat from sun-baked asphalt, it behooves one to check that air conditioning units are in proper working condition ahead of time. For those considering an upgrade, Philadelphia-based Likuma Labs has unveiled a new product that addresses the frustrations experienced with many window air conditioners. ac home unit partsNoria is designed to be smaller, lighter, and quieter, while offering full-room circulation and smart connectivity.automotive ac repair trainingWindow-mounted air conditioners tend to be recognized for their boxy bulk and exorbitant number of ventilation slats. 3 ton ac unit dimensionsNoria blends form with function, featuring smooth curves in a design that measures 18.25 in wide, 15 in deep, and a mere 5.8 in tall (46.3 x 38.1 x 14.7 cm).

At almost half the size of a standard 5,000 BTU/hr window air conditioner, Noria blocks less of the view through a window while being slim enough to slide under beds for off-season storage.Noria also features wrestle-free, two-step installation with single- or double-hung windows measuring between 21 and 36 in (53 and 91 cm) wide. Users first install and secure the window frame adapter before sliding and locking the air conditioner into place. Given its rounded sides and comparatively light 30-lb (13.6-kg) weight, installing and removing Noria can be handled by one person.When it comes to cooling, Noria is effective for areas up to 160 sq ft (14.8 sq m). But unlike most window air conditioners that blow directly in, Noria angles its cold air up towards the ceiling. By creating a convective flow throughout the entire room, this method is designed to help eliminate warm air pockets and minimize recirculation of cold air. Better climate control with less energy used. There's only one knob on Noria, having the simple job of adjusting temperature.

Users can also turn off the unit's compressor in order to bring fresh outside air in when things cool down outside. While some may miss the option to balance fan speed with noise output, the team has developed the hardware to be capable of operating at 50 dB. Noria can run all day, generating low-level sounds somewhere between a quiet library and normal conversation.Although Wi-Fi and IoT compatibility is under consideration, Noria does offer Bluetooth connectivity with iOS and Android devices. The mobile app will allow users to remotely adjust the thermostat, control multiple units, and set daily/weekly schedules for automatic operation and smart energy usage.The Noria air conditioner is currently funding on Kickstarter, having raised almost half of its US$250,000 goal in a day, with another 44 days left to go. Pledges start at $299, saving $100 off the planned retail price.The company claims to have extensively modeled thermal performance and user experience on functioning prototypes.