Deckard Mechanical

There are big changes coming in the heating and cooling field.  As with most things, we’re always trying to find better ways to do things.  The Department of Energy is trying to make the HVAC industry more efficient.  This means that while consumers are saving energy and reducing their energy costs, the price of new equipment will go up.  Here’s a little information about what to expect.

Cooling:

With cooling, the big change is the continual phase out of R-22 refrigerant.  Last cooling season it was hard to find units that contained R-22 so we started installing units with 410-A.  This year it will be even harder to find units with R-22 and the cost of the refrigerant has nearly double since January 1st.  

What this means to consumers is that if you have a leak or need your R-22 unit recharged, you will be looking at a more costly repair.  Typically people prefer doing a repair over replacing their unit.  Now it might be more cost effective to replace your old unit with a new 410-A system.

For more information:

http://www.hardinet.org/blog/r-22-update

Heating:

As of now, the minimum standard for furnaces is 80% efficiency.  As of May 1, 2013 it will no longer be legal to install an 80% in our area.  This will affect nearly the entire upper half of the United States.  Consumers looking to replace their old units will have to go to a minimum 90%+ furnace.

What this means to consumers is that replacing your furnace will be more expensive next May.  If you have a unit that you’ve been putting off replacing and a low budget is a concern, you will want to replace it before May 1, 2013.  

For more information:

http://www.achrnews.com/articles/118051-industry-awaits-regional-standards-ruling