When you need an AC replacement in Hamilton NJ or the surrounding areas, contact PFO Heating & Air Conditioning. All of our HVAC services are performed by one of our experienced and knowledgeable heating and cooling technicians. You can count on us to provide you with affordable prices and superior services. Call our office today to schedule a free estimate.
We also offer free second opinions on other HVAC estimates that you may have received from another company. Second opinions are a great way to ensure that the diagnosis and proposed remedy is the one that works best for your home. Call today to speak with one of our home comfort specialists.
Does Your Air Conditioner Use R-22? What You Need To Know
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As the seasons change, we will move into the warmer months. Many homeowners are starting to check their air conditioning units. They want to ensure they will be up and running when the heat rolls in.
Many homeowners do not know off hand what type of refrigerant their air conditioner is using.
However, this represents an issue that is becoming more and more prevalent. As is the case in many industries, the HVAC industry has seen some changes in policy regarding the use of certain substances considered toxic and not environmentally-friendly.
Older air conditioning units are known to use the refrigerant R-22, which is toxic and harmful to the ozone layer. As such, regulations have been instituted to phase out this common air conditioner refrigerant. But what exactly does this mean for current owners of R-22 units? In this article, we will discuss how you can find out what type of refrigerant your AC system is using. Also, we will cover what you can do if your unit is using R-22.
Checking Your Air Conditioner
The first step you can do on your own an air conditioning unit…
is to determine the type of refrigerant that it uses. You can take a look by checking the label on the outside air compressor unit.
If it is a newer model, it will use R410-A. If it is the older, it will say R-22. However, when your cooling system uses R-22 and it is malfunctioning, you will have to consider if it is worth repairing. An example of this is when you have a refrigerant leak or a major repair on your hands. You will have to decide whether an air conditioner replacement is a better option.
What Is So Bad About R-22?
The refrigerant, known as R-22, is a coolant that the HVAC industry has used for many years.
It is used in heat pumps, appliances, and air conditioners. However, in 1987, the U.S. called for the reduction of hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) products that are
- toxic
- harmful to the ozone layer
- a greenhouse gas
Since R-22 falls into that category, its production has ended in phases. It now is more expensive than ever for HVAC companies to purchase. Soon, it might not be available at all. For older units, if a leak occurs, the cost of repair is astronomical. This circumstance causes many to wonder if a costly repair is even worth it. Some homeowners question whether they should just replace the entire unit.
Repair Or Replace Your Air Conditioner
The consensus amongst most reputable HVAC companies…
seems to be that for those unfortunate owners of the older units, a replacement is likely the best option. Most R-22 units are older units, to begin with. Even if there is just a small crack, chances are the air conditioner is approaching the end of its lifespan anyhow. Therefore, with the high cost of repair due to high R-22 prices and R-22’s increasing unavailability, it is better to put the cost of repair into a central air conditioner replacement cost instead. While it is difficult for some to come up with the money for a new A/C, the way that R-22 is being phased out seems to make it an inevitable situation that all homeowners will face soon.
For those homeowners faced with the cost of a full AC replacement, the significant benefit to the environment is a consideration to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to update the R-22 units. Also, newer air conditioning systems are far more efficient, reducing home cooling costs. Additionally, a more modern cooling unit will provide far more comfort than an old outdated AC system. Really, it is a win-win situation. Some homeowners who have an outdated furnace and an outdated AC system can pay less than the average for the cost of a furnace and air conditioner replacement. This is because a furnace air conditioner combo cost is much cheaper than replacing the units separately.
Air Conditioner Replacement Hamilton NJ
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning offers trusted HVAC services throughout New Jersey for residential and commercial properties. You can count on us to provide you with honest prices and superior services. All of our heating and cooling technicians have the experience and the knowledge to get the job done accurately, the first time around.
We will always provide you with all of the available options so that you can make an informed decision about what works best for you and the other household members. Not only that, but we complete all of our services quickly and in a professional manner.
We provide a full line of services including AC installations, maintenance, A/C repairs and much more. Be sure to take advantage of our free estimates and free second opinions. Call today to schedule an appointment.
Some of the areas we service include Allentown, Hamilton, Princeton, Trenton, and these zip codes: 08501, 08619, 08540, 08601 as well as all surrounding areas in Mercer County, New Jersey.
PFO Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be an authorized dealer for Carrier HVAC systems. We are among the few providers in NJ to hold a Carrier Presidents Award Dealer distinction. Carrier recognizes our services as going above and beyond when it comes to customer service and expertise. We are happy to represent such a prestigious manufacturer because these impressive heaters and air conditioners are reliable, perform well, and are extremely energy efficient. To learn about Carrier systems, click here.
Contact us now at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!