DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Homeowners who need to add the widely used R-22 coolant (also known as Freon™) to their home’s AC systems have found it to be a chilling experience this summer, due to sharp price spikes. Senior management at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning (ServiceExperts.com), North America’s largest residential HVAC repair service brand, predicts that prices will continue to rise by double digits during the 2017 cooling season.
The significant increase is due to a government mandated phase-out of R-22 refrigerant. Production of the chemical, believed to contribute to ozone depletion, will cease in 2020. In 2017, production of R-22 will be reduced by 28% from 2016 levels, and that percentage increases annually for the next three years. As supplies decrease, retail prices have increased.
But “topping off” the AC this summer with R-22 isn’t the solution. Rob Haines, Marketing Manager with Service Experts, said low levels of refrigerant in a central AC system indicates a bigger issue. “Any time that R-22 has to be replaced in a system, it indicates there is very likely a leak somewhere,” he commented. “In the past, just adding more R-22 refrigerant was a short-term cost-savings, versus repairing or upgrading the air conditioning system. But as the cost of R-22 refrigerant continues to increase dramatically, it now makes more sense to consider longer-term solutions.”
Even though fall is on the horizon, there are still many options for cost-savings on new AC equipment. The U.S. government has extended $500 tax credits on new high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, but the system must be purchased by the end of 2016. (Certain sustainable systems have even higher discounts over a longer timeframe.) These credits can be combined with manufacturer’s rebates, such as Lennox rebates of up to $1,700 available through mid September. Local utility rebates can be taken at the same time, where available.
Haines adds that monthly energy savings also should be considered by homeowners. “A new high-efficiency system could save up to 50% on monthly utility bills,” he commented. “By taking advantage of all of the latest sustainable refrigerant and energy options, including a monthly payment plan such as one of the many that Service Experts offers, homeowners may find that a brand-new system is a comfortable fit for the family budget, as well as making the home a more comfortable retreat.”
ABOUT SERVICE EXPERTS
Founded in 1996, Service Experts is a leading provider of HVAC repair, maintenance, new equipment sales and related services to residential and commercial customers in 29 states in the U.S. and three provinces in Canada. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Service Experts is North America’s largest heating and air conditioning company, with 90 locations serving approximately 2,000 homes and businesses, on average, each working day. HVAC services include: residential HVAC service and replacement; ancillary residential home services, including plumbing, indoor air quality and energy audits; commercial HVAC service, maintenance and replacement for both light commercial customers and large-scale national retail accounts. For more information on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning sales, rebates and products and services, visit ServiceExperts.com or ServiceExperts.ca.
