For decades, most air conditioning units—residential as well as commercial—have relied, in part, on a gas called difluoro monochloromethane to help keep homes cool. This colorless gas, which is (mercifully) also known as HCFC-22, or R-22, has been the gold standard in refrigeration up until now. Throughout the 2020s, however, the United States government will begin a phase-out of parts and services for systems that rely on HCFC-22.
So, with all that in mind, you’re probably wondering, “When should I convert my company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant in Eugene, OR?” We have the answer.
Why the phase-out?
Recent studies have indicated that HCFC-22 is exceptionally hazardous to the environment. The role that HCFC-22 plays in an air conditioning system sees the gas released into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Unfortunately, HCFC-22 is also a very potent greenhouse gas. It is 1,800 times more destructive than carbon dioxide. As a result, its eventual abandonment was inevitable.
In a world that’s always looking for ways to combat climate change, a slow-moving ban on HCFC-22 is a step in the right direction.
What does this mean for my business?
If you currently have a properly functioning HVAC system that relies on HCFC-22, then the answer to the question of when you should convert your company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant in Eugene, OR is simple: there’s no rush. That said, there are some conditions you should be aware of:
Keeping your system maintained is more essential than ever. You should have a plan in place to repair any leaks in your system.
If you need to expand your system in the future, problems could arise.
It may become increasingly expensive to service and repair your HVAC system into the future.
No one is going to drop fines or seize your HVAC equipment. A phase-out simply means that the parts and servicing experience relevant to your HCFC-22 equipment will become increasingly rare.
Preventative maintenance is more important than ever
While possession and use of an HCFC-22 system isn’t a legal problem, you can expect officials to become more vigilant about issues that arise with your system. That means it’s absolutely crucial to ensure that your system is running a peak efficiency at all times.
You likely already have an HVAC maintenance routine in place to prevent climbing energy costs, unexpected failures and other unforeseen problems. Now, you’ll need to make sure your HVAC team is looking for issues with your HCFC-22 system.
We’re ready to help you
Still curious about when you should convert your Eugene, OR company’s equipment to an alternative refrigerant? Call American Refrigeration Inc. and let one of our experienced professionals work with you to establish a solution and a timeline that works for your business and your budget.
Whether you choose to continue using your HCFC-22 system or you need a strategy for transitioning to a new system, we can help! We have more than 20 years of experience servicing HVAC units and commercial refrigeration systems of every kind, and we have the track record to prove it.
When you want the best, make it American Refrigeration Inc. We can’t wait to work with you.
For many business owners, each month requires a delicate balancing act to ensure that all of the bills are being paid on time and that the company is continuing to turn a profit. Often, utility bills are one of the largest expenses that companies face each month. Similarly, purchasing a new HVAC system is one of the biggest capital expenses that companies can expect to make every decade or so.
If your company’s HVAC system is beginning to show signs of age, you may be wondering whether or not it’s worthwhile to invest in a quality high-efficiency HVAC system. While the price difference may seem substantial, it’s important to understand that the high-efficiency system will likely save your business money in the long run.
While high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR do indeed cost more money, they also require less energy to run effectively and may require less maintenance than a traditional commercial HVAC setup. If you’re considering investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system to use at your place of business, be sure to consider the following benefits:
Reduced energy expenses: There are a number of benefits to installing a high-energy efficiency HVAC system, including reduced energy expenses. While it’s true that the system will cost you more money, it will also save you money by reducing your monthly utility bill. Be sure to consult with a qualified HVAC expert to learn more about the savings you can expect to see. Generally, the additional cost difference will be wiped out about halfway into the system’s life cycle.
Going green: Another primary benefit of investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system is that it will allow you to reduce the carbon footprint of your company’s operation. This will allow you and your employees to feel more comfortable about the work that you’re doing. Additionally, your customers can shop at your store with confidence knowing that you make an effort to be energy efficient. Finally, some states and jurisdictions may offer tax credits or rebates in exchange for installing high-efficiency HVAC systems.
Improved property value: Another substantial benefit that you’ll reap by installing a high-efficiency commercial HVAC system in Eugene, OR is the fact that it will substantially improve the value of your property. If your business outgrows its current facilities, you won’t have to worry about losing out on the investment that you’ve made in the latest and greatest HVAC technology. In fact, having a high-efficiency commercial HVAC system installed at your building could substantially increase its attractiveness to potential purchasers.
If you’re looking for a trusted HVAC and cooling company to help you select and install a commercial HVAC system that best suits your business and your space, look no further than American Refrigeration Inc. We’re proud to provide each of our clients with attention to detail and customized service experiences. We offer installation services, maintenance and repairs. To learn more about our options for high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR, reach out to one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives today.
Aside from the cost of the building itself, one of the largest capital expenses that business owners are likely to incur is the purchase of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Companies rely on HVAC systems to keep their customers, employees and clients happy and comfortable.
Without a working HVAC system, the work environment can be distracting and uncomfortable for employees, and customers are likely to try and get in and out of your location as quickly as they possibly can. Investing in a quality HVAC system, however, ensures that customers and employees alike are content and satisfied.
Because commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR represent such a substantial investment, many business owners want to know precisely how long they’ll last, so that they can budget accordingly moving forward. Of course, there’s no set-in-stone answer as to how long HVAC systems last, because it largely depends on the operating conditions, the amount of maintenance that the business invests in the equipment and a slew of environmental factors.
Generally speaking, an HVAC system that’s well cared for will last between 10 and 15 years. Here are just some of the factors that can affect the longevity of an HVAC system that business owners should consider both before and after purchasing a system for their company:
Maintenance matters: One of the most important things that you can do to extend the life of your HVAC system is invest in routine preventative maintenance. This will help you ensure that your system continues to operate as intended for months and years to come, and will help you reap the best possible return on your investment.
Construction quality: While higher quality HVAC systems do indeed cost more money, they’re almost always worth the extra investment. The construction quality will go a long way toward determining just how long your company’s HVAC system will be up and running.
Local climate: Because HVAC systems work to maintain a consistently comfortable temperature and ambient humidity, the local climate of your business will also determine the system’s longevity, at least to a degree. Damper climates or climates with lots of extreme heat waves and cold snaps could end up damaging your system.
Proper installation: It’s important to have your system installed by a trustworthy professional with extensive knowledge of how to best install commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR. Failure to install your system correctly the first time around could end up substantially shortening its lifespan and reduce the amount of time that you can enjoy its heating and cooling powers.
Since 1995, American Refrigeration Inc. has been a trusted source for maintenance and care for commercial HVAC systems in Eugene, OR. We’re proud to provide each of our clients with quality, dependable HVAC and refrigeration services that they can rely on. We possess the skills, expertise and tools necessary to successfully keep commercial cooling and heating systems in prime condition. Reach out to one of our friendly representatives today to learn more about what we can do for you!
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.
