Retrofit your AC Unit for Replacement R-22

Convert your Old AC Unit R-22 System

R-22
The EPA is phasing out R-22 completely in 2020.

R-22 is an old refrigerant commonly used in Central Air Conditioning Units. R-22 is a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) with elements that damage the stratosphere.

With the EPA phaseout of R-22 refrigerant the price of R-22 has skyrocketed in the last few years with supply dwindling, leaving many home and business owners with the stress of buying a new Air Conditioning Unit. A system more than 15 years old that is leaking or need a major repair, a system replacement is recommended.

Do you like your current air conditioning system? Most Air Conditioners made since 2006 have a 13 SEER( Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) efficiency rating. Depending on what part of the US you are, the minimum is now 14 SEER. Efficiency standards hadn’t increased much since 2006.

When faced with a major repair such as a compressor failure, many are encouraged to replace the entire system. Replacement makes since if you have an old unit, and/ or looking into 16 SEER and above efficiency levels. But, if you are debating replacing with a 14 SEER Unit you may what to consider retrofitting your existing AC unit with R-407C (a HFC replacement for R-22).

Retrofit R-22 AC Unit to R 407-C
A Retrofit saving $2500 while adding additional efficiency by adding a fan control board.

By converting the refrigerant of your existing air conditioner and making the necessary repairs, you can bring back original system performance and also possibly increase efficiency.

When performing a retrofit, an extensive leak search is done and leaks are repaired or coils replaced. Condenser and Evaporator coils are cleaned thoroughly. The system is evacuated, refrigerant lines are cleaned and flushed thoroughly. Compressor oil is changed or added for proper oil return. New capacitors, contactors and relays are replaced and/or added.

A retrofit sounds like a lot of work, however a NATE Certified HVAC Contractor such as ACE Heating and Cooling would be able to correctly perform to conversion and thoroughly check your system to ensure it is a good candidate.

R-407c
R-407c Refrigerant

AC Units Made After 2009 Do Not Contain R-22

 

R-410a
R-410a operates at high pressures not capable of working in older systems.

There is no need to retrofit a AC unit made after 2009. In 2009 the EPA required all HVAC equipment to be fitted for R-410A( a HFC).

The problem with trying to Retrofit an older Central AC unit with R-410A is that it operates at much higher pressures, but is more environmentally friendly than R-22. R-407C is also more environmentally friendly.

 

Benefits of Using R-407c Refrigerant

  • Efficiency and pressures almost idenitical to R-22
  • Changing/ adding POE oil extends the life of your compressor
  • More environmentally friendly than R-22
  • The costs is far less than R-22
  • R-407C is widely available among HVAC Contractors.

For more information call ACE Heating & Cooling 

(931) 239-2611

Or Contact us here.