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 Knowing that the refrigerant your system uses is obsolete, you might decide it’s more worthwhile to purchase an entirely new system, especially if your system is already on the older side.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!
Now that the fall has finally arrived, you have probably stopped using your air conditioning system and are now relying on your furnace to keep the climate comfortable inside your business. When you reach for the thermostat dial during chilly weather, it’s important that you can rely on your furnace to begin heating your business.
Unfortunately, commercial systems don’t always behave the way we want them to or the way they should. When your furnace begins blowing cold air instead of heated air, it can be frustrating and create an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe work environment for yourself and your employees. If you are experiencing this issue, there are a few things that you can do to troubleshoot the problem and find the source before calling for commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR:
Change your settings: The simplest reason why your furnace might be blowing cold air is an issue with your thermostat settings. If you have your fan set to “on,” your furnace could be blowing out air without actually heating it. By changing the settings and configuring the fan to “auto” mode, it will only run when the furnace is running.
Promote airflow: Your air filter is an important component of your heating system and it helps keep the air in your business clean, but it can cause issues if it is not cared for properly. You should change your air filter on a regular basis whenever it gets dirty or clogged.
Consider necessary repairs: Issues involving your pilot light, gas supply and ducts can all contribute to an ineffective heating system. If you can’t find a straightforward reason why your furnace is blowing cold air, you should call a professional to help you with commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR. They will be able to find the source of the problem and administer any necessary repairs.
Ask a professional: A professional HVAC technician will likely be able to accurately diagnose an issue with your system much easier than you can. Getting professional help can save you a significant amount of effort and ensure that your system is operating effectively. It’s important that you keep your system regularly maintained to ensure that it continues to offer function and efficiency. As a business owner, it’s a good idea to have a primary service provider for your furnace and HVAC system.
If you are experiencing issues with your furnace or you simply want to make sure that it is in the best condition possible before winter hits, you can get assistance from American Refrigeration Inc. For decades, we have been providing a number of commercial refrigeration and equipment services to customers in and around Eugene and the Portland area. We can assist you with quality products and services that you can depend on for your commercial equipment needs. You can find out more about our team and our services by taking a look at our website. To schedule an appointment for commercial HVAC repair in Eugene, OR, simply call us today!
If you are a business owner, you are probably used to contending with a variety of different business needs. One such business need is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to maintain a comfortable climate for your employees and your customers. When you start considering having a new commercial HVAC system installed in your business, one of your primary concerns will likely be the cost of installation. You might think that installing commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is prohibitively expensive, but it’s important to take all of the relevant factors into account to help you understand exactly what you can expect to pay and how it will affect your business expenses in the long run.
Average system costs
The cost to install a commercial HVAC system will vary based on the size of your space, whether any system components are already in place and the type of system you purchase. On average, an HVAC system will cost between $6,000 and $12,000 for a space without any of the necessary system components already installed. For a central air conditioning system on its own, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 and $5,000, and a central heating furnace is between $2,500 and $7,500.
In order for your system to actually distribute conditioned or heated air through your business, you will also need to have ductwork installed. The cost of ductwork is between $1,000 and $3,000. While this may seem like a pretty significant upfront investment, these systems can last for decades if they are installed properly.
Energy expenses
The percentage of your budget that you can expect to allocate to heating and cooling is far too variable to generalize. Systems vary widely when it comes to efficiency, and your energy needs are entirely dependent on how much space you have to heat or cool, as well as on the type of business you run. A professional technician who specializes in commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR will be able to give you a more accurate idea of what you can expect to pay based on your specific needs and your space. If you currently have an HVAC system that you are considering replacing, it’s a safe bet that a new system will save you money on your monthly energy bill. Newer systems tend to use energy much more efficiently than older ones do.
Learn more about commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR
At American Refrigeration Inc., we understand that HVAC systems can be a significant upfront investment for your business. That’s why we are here to work with you so that you can find quality products that fit your needs and your budget. We have been assisting commercial customers with their refrigeration and HVAC equipment since 1995, and we continue to offer exceptional services to each and every client who we work with. In addition to our regular services, we are also available 24/7 for emergency repairs so that you can get the help that you need at any time of the day or night. To find out more about everything that we do, call us to speak with a member of our outstanding team.
