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Get in touch with Wilcox Energy whenever you need A/C replacement services in Westbrook, CT or the surrounding areas. One of our seasoned and genuinely knowledgeable, heating and cooling technicians performs our AC services. As such, you can rely on us to provide superior workmanship at an affordable cost. Get your free estimate now by calling our office today.
Additionally, Wilcox Energy is able to provide second opinions on the HVAC estimates that have been supplied by other businesses.
Getting a second opinion is essential for making sure that both the diagnosis and the recommended strategy for repairing your air conditioner is the right one for your home. A second opinion is also important to verify that an AC repair or air conditioner replacement cost estimate is correct. Contact us now so that you can speak with one of our friendly, home comfort specialists.
What To Do If Your Cooling System Uses R-22 Refrigerant
When the seasons start to change, the warmer months will come rolling in. Many prudent homeowners are already checking their air conditioning systems. They’re making sure that these units are going to be up and running efficiently once the temperatures start rising.
This, however, represents an increasingly prevalent issue. As with lots of industries, the HVAC industry has seen and is seeing numerous changes in policies pertaining to the use of substances that are toxic to people, animals, and it negatively affects the natural environment.
An older cooling system will likely use R-22 refrigerant, which is detrimental and toxic to the natural ozone layer. Due to this fact, regulations have been implemented to start phasing out the use of R-22. But, what does this mean if you own a cooling unit that uses R-22? This article is going to talk about how you can learn what type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses. We will also talk about the various steps you can take if you have a cooling system that relies on R-22.
Check Your Cooling Unit
You can start by determining which type of refrigerant your AC unit is designed to use.
This can be done by looking at the label that’s on the outside of your outdoor air conditioner compressor unit.
If you have a newer air conditioner, then this system will rely on R410-A. If the cooling system is a bit older, then the label will say R-22. For those who own older units and it malfunctions, you have to think about whether or not the costs of repairing your air conditioner is worthwhile. For instance, your cooling unit might be leaking refrigerant, or you could have another, large-sized and costly repair issue to contend with. If you do, you’ll need to decide whether it’s better to fix your air conditioner or simply pay for a central air conditioner replacement cost instead.
Why R-22 Is So Bad
R-22 is an AC coolant or refrigerant that has long been used throughout the HVAC industry.
This A/C coolant is used in air conditioners and heat pumps, as well as in other appliances. In 1987, however, the United States issued a call for the reduction of HCFC or hydrochlorofluorocarbon products that are:
- considered greenhouse gases
- detrimental to the ozone layer
- toxic
Because R-22 fits into this category, production of this A/C refrigerant has been halted in several phases. This has made it far more expensive for HVAC companies to buy R-22. In fact, there may come a time when this refrigerant is no longer available for purchase at all. For units that are old, when leaks occur, repairing the problem can result in astronomical costs. This causes many homeowners to wonder whether a costly A/C repair is even worthwhile. People usually start questioning whether they should simply replace their cooling systems instead.
Deciding Whether To Replace Or Repair Your Cooling Unit
Most reputable air conditioning companies agree that for those who own older units…
the best option is to simply replace these systems. R-22 systems are usually older to start with. Many HVAC companies know that these units are at the end of their lifespan and their performance will begin to deteriorate. Even if your older cooling unit has a very small crack, this system is probably at or near the end of its overall lifespan. As such, in addition to the high costs of R-22 and the increasing unavailability of this refrigerant, it makes more sense to put repair monies towards the costs of having a central air conditioner replaced. Saving sufficient funds for a new central air conditioner installation isn’t always easy, It is an expense that most homeowners are going to face soon enough as R-22 is phased out altogether.
For homeowners who must pay the costs of a full cooling system replacement, it’s important to consider the environmental benefits of these projects when determining if moving beyond R-22 is a good idea. Moreover, new air conditioner models are a lot more efficient, which means that they can reduce your home cooling costs. Another vital point to note is that a newer cooling unit is going to offer far more home comfort than one that’s outdated and old. This is a win-win decision. People who have both furnaces and air conditioner models that are old and outdated can pay less for full replacements than the average costs of having each system replaced separately. This is due to the fact that the average cost of furnace and air conditioner replacement combination is significantly cheaper than individual units.
Get An AC Upgrade With Wilcox-Energy
Wilcox Energy provides reliable HVAC services to residential and commercial customers throughout Connecticut. You can trust us to give you honest prices and superior service. All the heating and cooling technicians who work within our company have ample knowledge and experience for getting the job done right.
We always offer you your available options…
so that you can make your own informed choices about which solution is going to work best for you and everyone else in your household. More importantly, we’ll complete our work in a timely and highly professional fashion.
We provide a full range of HVAC services and solutions that include air conditioner maintenance, repairs, and installations among many other things. We offer the best HVAC replacement cost that you will find. Take advantage of our free second opinions and estimates. Call now to set your appointment up.
Wilcox Energy is a proud, authorized dealer of Trane HVAC systems. We are one of just a small handful of CT providers that have earned this distinction. As an authorized dealer, it implies that Trane acknowledges our services as being superior in terms of expertise and customer service. We’re delighted to represent this prestigious AC manufacturer given that their quality air conditioners and heaters perform well, are energy-efficient, and are highly reliable. Even better, these systems provide the best heating and central air conditioner prices on the market. Click here to find out more about Trane heating and cooling systems.
For more information about heating and cooling systems, such as tune-ups, repairs, or installations, contact Wilcox Energy. You can contact us at (860) 399-6218. We offer a full line of affordable and trusted HVAC services.