If your old air conditioning system is in need of repair, or simply needs topped off with R-22 refrigerant before the heat of summer, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Most air conditioners that are more than two years old use R-22 as the refrigerant that helps cool the air. But R-22 prices have been on the rise. Already this year, R-22 prices have reached levels as much as three times higher than 2011 prices – and that's before air conditioning season has even really begun.
The big price increases are a result of the federal government's long-term plan to eliminate the use of R-22 completely. Containing ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), R-22 is more harmful to the environment than alternative refrigerants available on the market today. As a result, since 2010 no new air conditioners have been manufactured that use R-22, and the amount of the substance that can be imported to service existing units is heavily limited. By 2020, no new R-22 will be sold at all, though some recycled R-22 may be available for existing systems.
The vast majority of A/C and heat pump units in operation today still run on the old R-22 variety, and won't run on the newly available refrigerant formulas. And that means homeowners have to either pay ever-increasing R-22 prices, or upgrade their A/C to one of the new, environmentally-friendly models.
It might still be cheaper in the short term to repair your old unit, rather than replace it. But there are several factors that may make it cheaper in the long run to buy a replacement.
- New A/C units are more energy-efficient, and can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your electricity bills over the life of the system.
- The refrigerants used in new air conditioners are much cheaper than today's R-22 prices.
- A new system won't need costly repairs, especially with our 10 year install warranty.
- Right now, with the Hartman Brothers Smart Swap Program, you can get up to $2,000 trade-in value for your old R-22 system.
At Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, we would be happy to help you determine whether it makes more sense to replace your old system, or to just repair it. Feel free to contact us at our New Haven office.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about R-22 prices and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Hartman Brothers services New Haven, IN and the surrounding Fort Wayne area. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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