Technology

AC Repair Or Replacement With Freon Coolant

An air conditioner provides a cool and comfortable environment for tenants and homeowners. Its application is not limited to residential settings alone, but it also works well in commercial environments as well.

Business owners can provide a cool atmosphere for employees and customers to interact by installing air conditioning units in strategic places. There are several benefits it offers, which makes it one of the must-have home appliances. However, the efficiency of this cooling unit drops from time to time due to several factors, including lack of proper servicing.

In such situations, it is essential to contact a reputable aircon expert. The cost of repair depends on the severity of the problem. One problem most AC owners experience is low R-22 refrigerant, which occurs as a result of aging or leaks.

IMAGE: PEXELS

Air Conditioners With R-22 Refrigerants

Air conditioning units installed before 2010 use R-22 refrigerants. What does this mean? R-22 refrigerant is a chemical that cools the air, which comes out from your aircon vents. This refrigerant is commonly known as Freon™, also referred to by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as HCFC-22. The R-22 refrigerant was first applied in the 1950s and later on became the prime AC refrigerant in-home air conditioning & heating and industrial cooling.

Spotting Refrigerant Issues In Your AC

Have you woken up one to discover that your aircon has gone offline and then, you notice these new and very distressing features:

Your aircon becomes noisier as it operates for more extended periods.
It is on, but there is no cooling airflow from the vents.
As a matter of fact, the air from the vents is warm, even though you set the thermostat to the lowest temperature.

These problems are as a result of either leakage or low refrigerant based on aging. For your aircon to continuously produce cold air, the refrigerant must be added over time.

Should I Repair Or Replace My AC Units?

Depending on the age of your air conditioning unit, you can either repair or replace it. Air conditioners installed after 2010 use R410A coolant, as it is more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easy to recharge.

However, if your aircon runs on R-22 refrigerant, then you should consider the replacement option more. However, companies like Chief HVAC Repair can repair this refrigerant if it is low as a result of aging or if there is a leakage in the coil.

Switching To A More Eco-Friendly Unit

Whether you repair your refrigerant or not, there would be a need to move to a more environmentally friendly air conditioning unit. The EPA has phased out the use of R-22 refrigerant as it is harmful to the ozone layers. In 2018, they banned the use of this refrigerant in new air conditioners. Besides, it is more expensive to repair your R-22 refrigerant AC, as the cost can be as high as $2,000.

With an extra $2,500, you can get a highly efficient aircon that runs on R410A coolant. Before you think of repairing your old AC units (with R-22 refrigerant), think of the long-term benefits of getting one that uses a more eco-friendly coolant.

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