With Refrigerant Prices Rising, Is It Time To Replace That Old Air Conditioner?

You may have heard that refrigerant prices are rising. This is because R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, is being phased out over the next several years as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act. This limits the amount of new R-22 that can be produced and imported into the United States, with a complete ban on production slated for 2020. Currently, heating and cooling contractors are limited to the amount of R-22 that they can purchase to use in servicing their customer’s air-conditioning systems.

With the likelihood that refrigerant prices will continue to rise, you may want to consider replacing your old air-conditioning system, especially if it is more than 12 years old. Older units are not as energy efficient as the newer units on the market. Upgrading to a new Energy Star-approved system not only helps you avoid rising refrigerant prices, but it potentially could save you up to 30 percent off your current energy costs. Additionally, because newer air-conditioning systems do not require R-22 refrigerant, you will avoid getting nailed by the increased refrigerant prices altogether. An added bonus is that you may be eligible for tax credits or rebates from your utility company  for upgrading your system.

For expert answers to any questions you may have about replacing your current air-conditioning system, contact us today at (973) 635-3111. We will be happy to explain the options that are available. Pipe Works Services, Inc. is located in Chatham, New Jersey, and we’ve been providing professional heating, cooling and plumbing services to the counties of Morris, Union, Somerset and Essex since 2000.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about rising refrigerant prices and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Pipe Works Services serves Chatham, New Jersey and the surrounding areas.  Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!