When we talk about refrigerant, we are typically referring to R-22. Up until January 2010 it was the refrigerant that came in all equipment, it had been around for 50 years and even though it was supposed to go through a phase out (chlorine properties, ozone stripping) builders and manufacturers installed it right up to the last date. At NASCAIR we invest and plan long term, we started installing R-410 systems in 2005, it was more expensive, supposedly temperamental, not forgiving and installation practices had to be sterile. We nailed it, we have very few of our customers beholden to R-22 therefore, if they need a little refrigerant it’s a negligible cost. As of Jan 2015, there is no more production of R-22 allowed under multinational environmental agreements, Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto agreement.

This is possibly the most common question we are asked, and several factors can persuade the decision either way. Some of the things to consider are the age of the equipment, the repair history of the system, the reliability of the manufacturer and what refrigerant your system uses.

Answers: As your system approaches that 12 year mark be cautious about repairs especially if it has to do with adding refrigerant or leaks. If your system has been well maintained and does not have a history of adding refrigerant by all means, consider repairs less than $750. Some manufacturers have better track records than others, there are certain brands that make me roll my eyes when I walk up on them because I know the outcome.

The big one, if your system uses R-22 the old refrigerant and its leaking I won’t repair it, it is a liability to you and me. The current cost for a 30lb cylinder of R-22 is $700, don’t do it.

There are only about 8 mainstream manufacturers left, there may be thirty brand names, but those are just decals. I have had experience with every one of them, 22 years of repairing, getting tech support, filing warranties, dealing with defects, holding manufacturers accountable and holding home owners accountable.

Here is what you should look for: A very good, well trained responsive HVAC company, remember what I said there are only 8 manufacturers, yes equipment is important, I love both my AMANA brand and TRANE brands, but they each fill different needs for me and the consumer, Trane has a long history of dependable, innovative equipment and it has a reputation and a name that people want to pay for.