New, efficient, air conditioning units built by manufacturers such as Lennox or Armstrong can save about 50% on cooling costs.
They can be seen at All Comfort Services.
As homeowners get ready for the Wisconsin cooling season, (also known as the construction season or summer), some will have a decision to make that could save them as much as $750 but cost them much more in the next few years.
“Most air conditioning units have a life span of about 13 years, give or take a year or two,” says Kendall Richards, President of All Comfort Services. “Those homeowners having air conditioners approaching the end of their life spans should prepare to make a choice between which type of Freon their new unit will have.”
The question is…Will it be a unit with R-22 Freon or the new R-410A Freon refrigerant?
What’s the Difference?
R-410A has fewer CFC’s [chlorofluorocarbons] and is designed to have less impact on the earth’s ozone layer (and global warming),” says Richards. “Some of them go by different names like Prozone or Puron, but no matter what the name is, they are all R-410A. R-410A is the new generation refrigerant and is the primary choice available in the market at this time because it does not deplete the Ozone layer.
In fact, some major manufacturers such as Lennox and Armstrong, don’t manufacture standard or premier models that use R-22. However, that doesn’t mean R-22 units are not manufactured and sold. Roughly half of all dealers actively sell equipment that uses R-22. They sell on price because the units are available for about $500 less than units with R410A. For someone selling a home or for a homeowner who rarely uses air conditioning, it may be the unit of choice. However, for people who will be staying in their home or care about the environment, R410A is the refrigerant of choice because it will be more cost effective over the life of the unit and eco-friendly.
R-22 Facts
• R-22 has been scientifically shown to have a greater effect on Global Warming Potential and Ozone Depletion • R-22 units will generally cost about $500 - $750 less than R410A units • The EPA will allow the production of R-22 residential systems to the year 2010
• R-22 will not be manufactured after 2015
• The EPA will allow continued use of R-22 to the year 2030, well past the typical life expectancy of any system installed today
• When repair work is done, the R-22 must be reclaimed and cleaned
• Consumers should be aware the price of R-22 may increase as supplies dwindle over the next 20 years which could affect maintenance expenses.
The Choice
The questions are straightforward:
• Do I want to make the more environmentally sound choice?
• Do I want to pay $500-$750 less now knowing that aside from the less eco friendly refrigerant, I may incurring higher repairs and maintenance costs?
• Or do I pay more initially knowing I am making a better environmental choice as well as benefiting from lower operation and maintenance costs over the life of the equipment?
Getting Some Credit
According to Richards, another aspect of the decision for homeowners is high efficiency products often get the benefit of tax credits. With FocusOnEnergy.com rewards alone, if you buy a new/efficient furnace, air conditioner and water heater, there may be a credit of about $450 available. Check online for details.
