By 2020, the EPA will phase out harmful HCFC refrigerants, like R-22. Supplies of R-22 will be reduced by 57% in 2015.

This is important for you to understand because all Air Conditioning units use either 410-A or R-22. The phase out program is predicted to cause a shortage of R-22 beginning in 2015. Shortages will lead to higher prices or unavailability. 

410-A is the current standard, and has been for the past 20 years. If your unit was new within the last 15-20 years, it is likely using 410-A, but it is best to check. The type of refrigerant an air conditioner uses will most likely be labeled on the model/serial number tag . If not, it might also be on the compressor. If you cannot easily locate this information, your HVAC contractor can help you. Most contractors, including me, will do this for you free of charge or during your spring clean up.

During this phase out process, in addition to significantly higher prices for R-22, you may also hear service contractors offering to retrofit your R-22 unit to use MO99. While this might seem like a money saving solution in the short term, long-term it will cost you more. Most warranties will be void with retrofitted parts, and units are likely to become even less efficient, costing you more in monthly bills. Even with a good retrofit, you will likely need to replace your unit within a few years.

I recommend my customers with R-22 units call me to discuss all your options. 

If you are considering a new unit, there are many rebate programs for new units, and you will save money by reducing your utility bills. Customers with high-efficiency units spend an average of 30% less on their monthly utility bills. New units keep you cooler in the summer, warmer in the winter, run quieter, and come with great parts warranties.

Even without the EPA phase out of R-22, replacing most R-22 units would be a wise investment. 

If you have any questions about R-22, your current unit, or new installation, please contact me.

-Rich

This St. Louis fall weather is BEAUTIFUL, and you should definitely get outside to enjoy it while it lasts!

Fall is also the perfect time to get your furnace ready for winter. After all, if you wait until the temperature drops, you may be stuck in the cold. That wouldn't be good for your family or your house.

Call me now to schedule your Fall Clean Up service. 314.348.5810

The Fall Clean Up Service includes...

• • Clean and check furnace
    
  • Check for proper operation of furnace
  • Clean flame sensor rod
  • Check blower motor, filters, flues, thermostat batteries, and heat exchanger 
  • Check humidifier to make sure the humidifier pad is good and everything is working correctly

All for only $70. Additional charges may include:

• • Needed repairs
  • Replacement filter

-Rich

A furnace's main job is to provide a building or structure with heat. They can be fired by gas, oil, or even wood. They heat air, which is circulated through a heating system and distributed within the building by a blower.

Direct Energy, a Houston-based service company, has a great description of how a furnace and air conditioner work together. It gives a complete picture of your systems and their main components. Check it out here. 

What do you need to do to keep your furnace running at its best?

• replace the air filter once a month
• if it's more than 3 years old, have a contractor conduct yearly inspections/maintenance.

If you have any questions about how your furnace is running, contact me.

-Rich

Check your drain line off the furnace for clogs. Clogs can be caused by bacteria growth. You can take the drain line off and clean it out with bleach.

-Rich

In May 2013, freon 22 increased significantly in price (between $60 and $90 per pound), and it will continue to rise. It is being phased out due to its impact on the greenhouse effect.

What does this mean for you? It means it might be time to upgrade your equipment to something more energy efficient. Although it will be an investment up front, it will save you a lot of money. 

If you need to know more about the cost and efficiency of your current equipment, or have questions about a new system installation, please contact me.

-Rich

A majority of the time, it’s a dirty condenser, but check your filter first. If it is clogged up or dirty, replace it to see if that makes a difference in the sound. If the filter is really dirty, leave the AC unit off for approximately 15 minutes to make sure the A-coil did not freeze from the inability of air to blow through the unit. 

While you are waiting you can clean the condenser. In order to clean the condenser, turn the AC off at the thermostat, and go outside with your hose, not a power washer, and spray off the condenser for approximately 15 minutes until it is clean. That typically quiets the unit down. If this does not work, you likely need a service call.    

-Rich

For air conditioners and furnaces, filters should be changed once a month. For air purifiers, they usually need to be changed every six months, and require very specific filters. For air conditioners and furnaces, regular pleated filters work well. Don't buy the least or the most expensive filters, but something in the middle. Expect to pay $5-6 per filter. You can buy them in bulk to save money. Make sure they are the correct size.

-Rich