When the EPA announced that the phase-out of R-22 refrigerant would start in 2010, with completion scheduled for 2020, the time seemed relatively far away. That time has flown by, though, and with the deadline now only three years away, business owners whose commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is still reliant on R-22 refrigerant will need to start evaluating their options.
The R-22 supply
The use of virgin R-22 refrigerant is now illegal, and the only R-22 that can still be purchased and used is the recovered and recycled refrigerant from retired units. In conjunction with the basic principles of supply and demand, with R-22 becoming more and more scarce, not only will it become harder to find, but the prices will stay high because of the limited supply. This means that business owners will either have to find a drop-in substitute for R-22, or consider moving on to an upgraded system altogether.
Total system replacement
While you may be able to use drop-in R-22 refrigerant replacements and alternatives for a time, the best long-term solution is replacing and updating your HVAC system. In addition to providing enough time to eradicate R-22 production and distribution, a part of the reason the EPA set the dates they did was to allow the many air conditioning units that were still using R-22 refrigerant at the time to age to the point of system replacement. This makes the overall transition not only better for the environment, but more economical for business owners as well.
A full system replacement would include replacing the indoor and outdoor units, all of the ductwork and the system’s wiring. While this might sound daunting initially, this solution will be providing you with the opportunity to install a new system with new equipment that allows you to benefit from improved energy efficiency. This also takes away any worry you might have about what types of refrigerants should be used and what you can and cannot do with your HVAC system, giving you as a business owner much needed peace of mind.
Unit replacement
If a total system replacement is not a financially feasible option for your company, you could alternatively consider replacing just the outdoor condenser and the indoor handling unit, and use the existing wiring and ductwork from your current system. This way, you will still be able to reap the benefits of upgraded energy efficiency, but you will be able to cut the installation costs of an entire system by using some of the major components that you already have.
The R-22 phase-out can certainly be confusing, but with the help of our team at American Refrigeration Inc., we can make sure that your business has what it needs for efficient and operation. We even offer remodels if you need to make changes to your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR so that you are in compliance with EPA regulations. If you have questions about the phase-out or would like to learn more about the many services we can offer you, give us a call to set up an appointment today.
The R-22 refrigerant phase-out is nearly complete, and homeowners and commercial businesses alike will need to make sure that their replacement plan is in full effect by 2020. In order to do this, it is important for you to understand some of the new types of refrigerant that are available to you, and an expert in commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is ready to help.
R-417A
Containing cooling properties that are similar to those of R-22, R-417A can be used with existing R-22 systems, and is the only drop-in replacement option that can be used with mineral, alkyl benzene or synthetic oil. This compatibility and flexibility are the main reasons that this option is being used so frequently in commercial refrigeration. There isn’t a drop-off in production when transitioning from R-22, and R-417A is actually able to operate with lower discharge temperatures and a smaller power requirement. Not only will this refrigerant be better for the environment, but it can also be more efficient at the same time.
R-407C
R-407C is a refrigerant combination of hydrogen, fluorine and carbon atoms, referred to as HFC, that is compatible with newer systems and appliances. The major appeal for this type of refrigerant, though, is that it can also be used in retrofit applications with older R-22 refrigerant air conditioning models because of its thermodynamic properties. This means that the installation of a brand new system would not be necessary. Unlike R-22, this refrigerant doesn’t contain the chlorine that was becoming very harmful to the ozone. This type of refrigerant can be used with packaged air conditioners, industrial chillers and the increasingly popular ductless split systems.
R-410A
While this can’t be used in the same drop-in fashion like the other two options can, R-410A is still one of the leading replacement options because of the large improvement of efficiency that these new systems provide. R-410A is also an HFC, and similarly operates without the presence of chlorine. R-410A uses synthetic oil which is more soluble than mineral oil, leading to less wear and tear on your air conditioning compressor. This type of refrigerant can also absorb and release heat at a better rate when compared to R-22, which will also reduce the strain you place on your compressor and your air conditioning system as a whole.
It is especially important for business owners to make sure their HVAC systems are in compliance with the R-22 ban because they are typically held to stricter guidelines in order to pass inspections and receive certifications. If you are worried at all about these changes or need help finding the best type of system and refrigerant for your business, contact the experts at American Refrigeration Inc. Serving as the premier provider of services for commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR since 1995, we have the knowledge you need to make sure that your system is both compliant and efficient. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you—we look forward to assisting you!
Summer is right around the corner, bringing intense heat. Your customers will appreciate refreshing cool air when they step into your business… unless your HVAC system isn’t functioning properly! It’s important to check your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR before it’s too late. Be sure to prepare your commercial HVAC system for summer with these few tips.
Steps for preparing your commercial HVAC system
Getting your commercial HVAC system ready for the heat is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Getting the system ready in advance will also give you plenty of time to get it repaired if something is malfunctioning. Be sure to do each of the following things before you turn on your system for summer:
Clean condenser coils: The first thing you should do is clean the condenser coils, which will make it easier for the unit to remove heat from the air and keep your unit working in top shape. Also check for leaves or debris around the outdoor unit and clear the space to make sure there are no buildups.
Clean or replace air filters: Air filters should be checked to make sure they are clean and not dirty or clogged. Dirty air filters can make your HVAC system less efficient and increase energy costs, so it’s in your best interest to clean or replace them regularly.
Check ductwork: Check your commercial HVAC system’s ductwork to make sure there aren’t any holes or leaks that could prevent airflow. This is also a good time to clean the ducts and airways of any dust or dirt buildup so the air you are pumping is clean and free of contaminants.
Check thermostat controls: Before you turn on your HVAC system, make sure that the thermostat batteries are changed and that the controls are working properly. A malfunctioning thermostat can result in uncomfortable temperature changes and higher costs.
Test the unit: After everything has been checked and cleaned, turn on your HVAC system and give it a chance to run. Check for proper temperatures and airflow from vents and listen for any strange noises. If anything seems amiss, contact a repair service to identify and fix the problem.
Schedule routine maintenance: Finally, you should schedule routine maintenance for your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR to make sure that your system runs properly all summer long. Call a professional HVAC company for a routine check on your system.
Preparing your commercial HVAC for the summer heat is easy and quick to do, and will save you a lot of time and money later if something is broken. Don’t get stuck with blistering temperatures in your business this summer. Get your HVAC system up and running early with these few simple steps.
Contact American Refrigeration Inc. for maintenance or repairs on your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR. Our skilled professionals have been serving clients in the heating, cooling and ventilation industry for over 20 years, offering HVAC installation and repair services and other specialty and refrigeration services. Call us today!
While thinking about your HVAC system malfunctioning probably isn’t something you enjoy doing, it’s likely that, at some point, your equipment will need to be repaired or replaced. But how do you know if your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR simply requires a repair, or if a replacement is in order?
Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
High cost of repairs: Are issues with your HVAC system starting to result in repairs that cost more than 50 percent of the price of a new unit? If so, it’s probably a good time to look into a full system replacement to save yourself both money and headaches from additional repairs down the line.
Performance of your current system: Does your unit make unusual noises more often than not? Do you notice that the air often feels dry or moist? Or maybe you find yourself frequently altering the temperature on your thermostat to maintain the appropriate level of heat or air. If you’ve been consistently experiencing one or more of these problems, a full replacement may be in order, as there may be damage to the ducts or insulation that no longer works properly.
Increased cost of energy bills: Steady increases in your energy bills, especially over a period of time, could mean that your equipment has ceased to work as well as it should. Talk to an HVAC professional to find out whether a replacement for your system is the way to go.
Age of your heating or cooling system: Furnaces tend to last between 15 and 20 years, while air conditioners and heat pumps can function for about 10 to 12 years. If any of your equipment is on the higher end of those ranges, it’s likely time to contemplate a replacement.
Issues with your boiler’s exchanger: If you have a gas boiler, damage to its exchanger is a sign that you’ll need to replace the boiler. The exchanger is the part of your boiler that holds water, so you’ll be able to determine if the exchanger has become cracked because you’ll notice water on the floor underneath the boiler. In addition, if your business has experienced excessive flooding, your boiler may have also become damaged by water surrounding the exterior of the appliance. Another sign of a boiler in need of replacement is large amounts of rust that may have developed on the bottom of the unit.
Problems with the evaporator coil: If an HVAC technician tells you that your system’s evaporator coil is leaking in multiple spots or is extremely corroded, these issues are significant enough that you’ll want to replace the unit.
After reading through this list, is it time to replace your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR? Or maybe you determined that a repair is the most logical solution to the issue you’re experiencing.
Whether you’re in need of a repair or a replacement or want to talk with an expert in more detail, contact American Refrigeration Inc. today. We look forward to getting your heating or cooling system up and running!
Whether you own or lease your commercial building, you need to take it upon yourself to ensure your cooling and heating system is working properly. Not only do your customers, clients and employees depend on their environment remaining comfortable all year long, but so does the condition of the interior of your building and its contents—especially perishable products like food. Regular maintenance can reduce energy bills and usage, while also saving you from having to pay for expensive system repairs. So, whether you have an old building or a newer structure, there are important things that should be done to your heating system in preparation for cooler temperatures.
With that in mind, here are five crucial maintenance items to get your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR ready for the cold winter months:
Check the building’s thermostat: First, there are a few signs that point to the need for a new thermostat device. If it’s an older model, it may not function well with your heating system; should the temperature reading displayed on the thermostat screen not match the indoor temperature, there could be a mechanical issue. Because an accurate thermostat is truly a money and energy saver, take a close look at it at the start of each new season.
Change all system filters: A big part of regular commercial HVAC maintenance is changing the filters—how often you do so will depend on the size of your building, amount of use and indoor air quality. Although clean heater system air filters are necessary for proper airflow throughout your building, you must also take into account the quality of the filters. Can they remove air pollutants like mold spores, pollen and dust? How long will they last? If filters are damaged or dirty, they are liable to cause the heating system to overwork.
Clean the ductwork: When the HVAC is on, warm or cool air is transported through the building’s ductwork. But over time, ducts collect dirt, dust and other airborne particles inside them that can get dispersed to rooms within your building. Regular duct inspections and cleanings can preserve the indoor air quality, as well as see to it that ducts are free of damage.
Inspect for leaks: There’s more than one way for air leaks to appear. Leaks can be due to the age of the building, holes in ductwork or busted weather seals around doors and windows. Fixing air leak issues makes your building more comfortable to be in, and the heating unit will run more efficiently.
Get a furnace tune-up: Since you want you to use your heating system come winter, it’s important that you have your furnace inspected in advance of the cooler months. If there are problems, then they can be dealt with early. Also, kick on the building’s heater for a test run—listen for strange sounds, smell for odd odors and make sure it’s actually heating up.
The key to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment this winter is to ensure your heating system is up to par. To schedule an appointment to have your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR looked at, or for system and equipment repairs, don’t hesitate to contact the team at American Refrigeration Inc. today.
