Category: Commercial HVAC

In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a phase-out of the use of R-22 refrigerant (also known as Freon) in residential and commercial HVAC applications, as studies demonstrated its use was harmful to the earth’s ozone layer. That phase-out winds down in 2019—as of 2020, Freon will no longer be made or imported in the United States.

This means that if you’re the owner of a commercial building that has an older commercial HVAC system in Eugene, OR, time is running out for you to decide what you’ll do regarding your current systems that run primarily based on Freon. You’re going to need to either get new equipment altogether, or convert your equipment to an alternative refrigerant.

Considering how quickly the sand is falling out of the hourglass, it’s important to be proactive. Questions to consider include:

• When should I convert my R-22 system to an alternative refrigerant? The answer to this question heavily depends on the size and age of the system you’re currently running. Calculate how much it would cost to continue to leak test, repair and run your R-22 system versus how much it would cost to convert. The less available R-22 becomes, the more expensive it will be, and prices are expected to skyrocket after production of R-22 ceases altogether in 2019. These are big factors to consider.
• When should I replace or retrofit my system? Again, this largely depends on the size and age of your system. An older HVAC system that might need to be replaced in several years anyway is a good candidate to be replaced now rather than trying to convert it a few years before you’d just need to replace it anyway. However, if it’s in good shape and you still intend to get years of use out of it, converting can make a lot of sense.

The new standard refrigerant

There are many different alternatives to R-22 already available, but the standard moving forward is expected to be R-410A, also known as Puron. This substance is a hydrofluorocarbon that does not damage the ozone, and actually provides greater efficiency than Freon. This is the refrigerant manufacturers have been most commonly using since the EPA reports came out in 2010.

Puron is more efficient than Freon because it absorbs and releases heat better, which means the compressor runs cooler and prevents overheating. It also uses synthetic oil for lubrication, which is much more soluble than the types of mineral oil used in Freon applications. These are the primary reasons why manufacturers have embraced it as the new standard in the world of refrigerants. As such, you’ll likely have much better success converting a Freon-based system to a Puron-based system, just due to how prevalent it is becoming in the industry.

For more information about the R-22/Freon phase-out and what you can do to prepare your facility over the next year or two, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. to discuss your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR.

R-22, also known as Freon, has historically been one of the most common refrigerants used in air conditioning units and other cooling applications. However, its use has been steadily getting phased out since 2010 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to some of the negative effects it has been shown to have on the earth’s ozone layer.

Since that time, there has been a massive reduction in how much R-22 is being produced in the United States, leading to a significant increase in the cost of R-22 for homeowners. By 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced or imported in the United States at all, which means homeowners who have older AC units that rely on that coolant will likely need to upgrade to a new unit.

Therefore, if you are still using R-22 as your primary refrigerant for your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR, it’s time to start preparing for the full phase-out, which is less than two years away.

How do I know if my HVAC system uses R-22?

If you have an older air conditioner or heat pump, there’s a chance it’s reliant on the use of R-22. You can check your unit to make sure of this before you start worrying about paying for a replacement.

First, look at the nameplate on the side of the outdoor unit. It may very well indicate the presence of R-22 with a note that says “Contains HCFC-22” or “Contains R-22.” You can also check the owner’s manual for the equipment if you have it, or contact the company that installed the equipment in your business for you.

If you have the manufacturer’s name and the model number of the equipment, you can also look up the information online to find all the specifications you need, including the type of refrigerant used by the system. If you schedule a tune-up of your HVAC system, you can have your service technician tell you the type of refrigerant the system takes.

What else do I need to know?

Fortunately, if you had your system installed after 2011, there’s nothing to worry about—you’re very likely not affected at all by the R-22 phase-out. Even if your system was installed before then and/or uses R-22 refrigerant, you still don’t need to be concerned unless your system requires some type of repair that would involve adding or removing refrigerant.

Still, the phase-out is important to keep in mind when you consider the costs of making repairs to your system. Knowing that the refrigerant your system uses is obsolete, you might decide it’s more worthwhile to purchase an entirely new system, especially if your system is already on the older side.

Going forward, the most popular choice for refrigerant is expected to be R-410A, a hydrofluorocarbon that does not damage the ozone, and is even more efficient than R-22.

For more information about the phase out and how it could affect you, contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. about commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR.

One of your many responsibilities as a business owner is to make sure all of your employees and customers are comfortable in your facility. One of the best ways to do this is to make sure your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is in solid operating condition at all times.

Here are just a few of the most common commercial HVAC problems that could necessitate some equipment repairs or replacements:

• Bad air quality: Air quality can be affected by a wide variety of factors, including dirty air filters and gas leaks. If you have strange odors emanating from your ducts, either of those issues could be the cause, as could melting debris on a heat exchanger, stagnant condensed water or overheating parts. Make sure you change your filters regularly and keep up with system maintenance.
• Strange noises: If you notice any odd noises coming out of your HVAC system, it’s probably time to contact a professional. There could be a broken part, or a section of ductwork that has started to rattle loose. The problem may or may not be serious, but you never want to take a chance when you hear these noises pop up out of nowhere!
• Inefficient operation: If it seems your HVAC system is no longer operating with the same power or efficiency it once did, you might need to seek out a repair technician. The fix could be as simple as cleaning the condenser coils or evaporator, or you might have some parts that are starting to break down. Whatever the issue, you should never ignore poor HVAC performance.
• Drain line clogs: The drain line in your HVAC system transports water and condensation away from the unit. However, it’s common for these lines to become clogged over time with dirt, algae or mineral deposits. When this happens, the water backs up into the drain pan, causing leaks and potential water damage. Make sure to check these drain lines regularly to ensure they haven’t been inhibited in any way.
• Poor system capacity: The system installed for your business might be too small or large for the needs of your space. A system that is too large will run inefficiently, and a system that is too small will lead to poor heating or cooling results.
• No maintenance: HVAC requires regular service to keep it in shape and operating smoothly. If you have ignored its maintenance and service needs for some time, it’s likely you will have issues that pop up due to this negligence. This problem is easily avoided simply by undergoing routine maintenance inspections.
• Fuse issues: If your HVAC unit regularly shuts off unexpectedly, there might be a problem at the circuit breaker. Check to see if you have any blown fuses or flipped breakers, and if the issue keeps happening over and over again, it’s likely there’s another issue causing the shutdowns to occur.

For more information about the most common problems with commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR, contact American Refrigeration Inc. today.

Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to schedule a seasonal maintenance checkup for your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR. But to ensure your heater and air conditioner are ready to perform properly come spring, get a full maintenance package that includes a professional inspection, adjustments, repairs and cleanings. Below is a basic checklist with important spring HVAC maintenance tasks. Some are small tasks you can tackle yourself, while others should be done by a professional.

Why you need commercial HVAC maintenance

Commercial HVAC systems supply heat and cool air to large spaces, so you’ll want yours to work consistently to avoid unnecessary downtime. So, just like you do for your home’s heating and cooling systems, you should perform regular maintenance on your commercial HVAC system every season to ensure your equipment works when you need it to. What are the benefits of professional HVAC maintenance? Let’s take a look:

• The HVAC equipment will work more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy it needs by 25 percent or more to keep your indoor commercial space comfortable.
• Not only will your HVAC be reliable, but you’ll also experience fewer breakdowns and see a drop in equipment and maintenance costs—as much as 20 percent!
• Hands down, HVAC maintenance in the spring means better indoor air quality. Humidity levels are better balanced, and there’s a reduction in the amount of airborne particulates and contaminants.

A spring HVAC maintenance checklist

If you’re ready to get started on maintenance for your commercial HVAC system, here’s a handy checklist you can use to ensure you’re covering your bases:

• Change air filters: The job of air filters is to trap and remove unhealthy airborne particulates and contaminants, such as dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, pet hair and dander and other microscopic particles. With these particles out of the air, your customers and employees will breathe in clean air and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment. Filters are replaced during scheduled maintenance, but consider checking them between appointments and change them if they’re obviously dirty.
• Clean indoor HVAC components: Make sure to clean the indoor components of your cooling system—including blower fans, control panels and evaporator coils. Also, clean and assess moving parts like fans. They may need lubrication to keep them operating smoothly.
• Clean around outdoor condenser units: The condenser unit and other vital components are in an outdoor cabinet that needs cleaning from time to time. Along with cleaning, remove any debris that may block vents and reduce airflow through the system. The most common types of debris found around coils and vents include grass, mud, leaves, twigs, garbage and more. Don’t forget to wipe down the cabinet as well.
• Check the refrigerant: Your cooling system needs refrigerant to properly capture and release heat. Your commercial HVAC technician will check the refrigerant level in your system and add refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specifications. If there are any leaks, they should be repaired immediately. It’s best not to use the system until all repairs are made.

If your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is in need of service or repairs, look no further than the experienced technicians at American Refrigeration Inc. Contact us today to schedule a visit!