Skyrocketing Price Of R-22 Calls For Tough Decisions

“There’s gold in them thar hills!” It’s a famous phrase from a Mark Twain book set in California, but if you’ll allow us at Masters Heating & Air Conditioning to corrupt the phrase a little bit, “There’s gold running through them thar air conditioners.” In this case, the gold is R-22 refrigerant.

The phaseout of R-22 for environmental reasons has led to some serious inflation in the HVAC repair business. According to numbers we’re seeing, the price for a 30-pound cylinder of the refrigerant is about $900 to $1,000. At the beginning of THIS year, the price was about $700. The price is going to keep going up as we head toward the complete phaseout in 2020.

Research shows R-22 damages the ozone layer in the atmosphere. The phaseout started in 2010, and by 2020 the refrigerant will no longer be manufactured or imported into the U.S.

What it means for you is the cost of repairing your old air conditioner will keep increasing. You really need to weigh your decision carefully about whether to repair or replace your current system. Here are some of the factors indicating replacement could be a better choice:

• Frequent & costly AC repairs on current system
• Energy bills rising (new systems can save 30% or more)
• Current AC not doing the job and house is uncomfortably hot

If you make the decision to replace, Masters Heating & Cooling is ready to help you with every step of the process. First our knowledgeable comfort advisors will help you determine which system is best for you. Correct system sizing is vital to ensure efficient cooling based on your home’s needs. Masters Heating & Cooling will then make sure your air conditioning installation is done correctly with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

During the hunt for the “gold in them thar hills,” many prospectors went broke in the process. To use another oft-quoted phrase, don’t follow in their footsteps by “throwing good money after bad” to keep repairing an old air conditioner . Call Masters Heating & Cooling, serving HVAC needs in Fort Wayne , Decatur, Angola, and all points in between.