Warm Heather Is Almost Here! Is Your AC System Ready?

Warm Heather Is Almost Here! Is Your AC System Ready?

As the weather warms up, it’s time to think about your central AC system - soon, it will be more essential than ever! No one wants to be stuck in a humid home with an outdated cooling system that won’t make it through the dog days of summer.

Before it’s time to switch the thermostat over to COOL, upgrade your AC system and save $500 on a new high-efficiency central AC equipment! Investing in a new system pays off in the long run, especially with the improved energy efficiency that will result in lower electric bills. New systems come with a higher SEER rating, meaning they use less energy to cool your home.

Consider these stats:

• If your AC was installed prior to 2006, the average SEER was 10. Now, due to age, that same piece of equipment has a SEER of 7 or 8.

• The minimum SEER allowed to be installed today is 13.2. According to our Comfort Specialists, customers have been upgrading to a minimum of 16 SEER over the last two years.

• For every increase in SEER, you should see a 4-6% decrease in your electricity costs.

And don’t forget, if your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it's likely using R22 or R410A refrigerant, which have been phased out due to their environmental impact. Not only is R22 becoming increasingly difficult to find, but it's also time to replace it to ensure your home stays cool and eco-friendly. Read more information on additional industry-wide changes to the refrigerant used in your AC systems HERE.

Call us today at 860.583.4609 or visit quinoco.com/ac-savings to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our Comfort Specialists.

Refrigerant Changes are Happening in your AC System

Important Information For All Air Conditioning Equipment

The EPA has mandated that all air conditioning equipment manufactured after January 1, 2025, use R454B refrigerant.

R454B has a significantly lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) than R410A. There are no ozone-depleting compounds, it has low toxicity compared to past refrigerants, and it has proven to be more energy efficient in the US Department of Energy testing.

FAQs on The EPA’s Latest Refrigerant Change

Can I still buy a R410A system?

Yes, but only for a limited time. HVAC manufacturers are shifting production to R-454B systems, and R-410A models will no longer be available after the transition. If you buy an R-410A system now, you may face limited availability for equipment and servicing in the future.

Do I need to replace my current system?

No, you do not need to replace your current system as long as it still runs efficiently.

• If you still have an R22 system, we no longer provide this refrigerant due to this phase-out being complete.

• If you have an R410A system, replacement parts and the refrigerant are currently available.

In either case, as your system ages and nears replacement or begins to require costly repairs, you will need to consider your options.

Can you retrofit my current system?

Most systems currently installed do not meet the system requirements for R-454B, so retrofitting is highly unlikely.

Installation changes with R454B systems

Due to the EPA’s guidelines regarding R-454B, installation of your air conditioning equipment will look a bit different.

• System piping (lines) – different sizes required

• Concealed lines can no longer be used (hidden in wall cavities)

• Additional leak sensors required

• Permitting may be required

• Carpenters may be necessary to gain access to run new lines

Servicing a R454B system

Maintenance recommendations on R-454B systems remain the same as existing systems and will be available under our current Cooling Protection Plan. For our technicians, they will be required to utilize some new tools and procedures to work with the refrigerant.  

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Have additional questions?

Our Comfort Specialists are here to guide you through this transition. Please contact our office at 860.583.4609 to begin the conversation.