Future Investments

Tag: r-22

  • What You Need To Know About HVAC Changes in 2023

    What You Need To Know About HVAC Changes in 2023

    What You Need To Know About HVAC Changes in 2023
    With every new year comes new advancements in HVAC technology and standards, and 2023 is no different. Heat pumps and central air conditioners, especially, will see major upgrades in the coming year. Keep reading to learn what else is changing and what it means for you as a property owner.

    What’s Changing With HVAC Efficiency?

    As previously stated, the most significant HVAC changes in 2023 revolve around heat pumps and central air conditioners. One of the biggest changes is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) increase for minimum efficiency standards. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, all units manufactured and sold in Arizona will need to have a minimum 15 SEER rating. That means residents and business owners purchasing units manufactured prior to that date must have the systems bought and installed before Dec. 31, 2022, as all units purchased and installed after this date will be subject to the new efficiency standards.

    Revolutionary New Refrigerants Headed Your Way

    Another big HVAC change happening in 2023 involves the substantial progress to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) plan to gradually phase out R-410a, a highly controversial hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant criticized for its negative environmental impact. As of 2023, cooling systems will come standard with R-454b refrigerant, and all manufactured air conditioners and heat pumps built starting next year will be compatible with this eco-friendly alternative. This will hopefully have a hugely positive impact on the nation’s contributions to global warming.

    Save More In 2023

    While upgrading to newer, more efficient HVAC equipment is always an investment, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) guarantees it will pay off. The efficiency standard increase alone has the potential to save property owners with heat pumps and air conditioners anywhere from $2.5 billion to $12.2 billion in as little as 30 years. That means, if your HVAC system is more than 15 years old, you will actually be paying more money just to hang on to it. Besides, there’s no better time to upgrade your heating and cooling systems!

    Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling is the ultimate one-stop shop for all your heating and cooling needs. Our talented technicians will happily stop by your property anytime to offer you insight and guidance regarding your HVAC needs and expectations for the coming year. As the new units begin to roll out, we can discuss your best upgrade options for your residential or commercial property and ease your mind about your installation process. Simply connect with one of our experienced HVAC specialists today to get started by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.

  • What You Should Know About The R-22 Phase-Out Campaign

    What You Should Know About The R-22 Phase-Out Campaign

    What You Should Know About The R-22 Phase-Out Campaign

    Most industry experts already know that phasing out R-22 has been the plan for many years. With 2020 marking the official end of R-22 production, it’s time for home and business owners, like you, to start paying closer attention to the R-22 phase-out campaign and figuring out a plan for what you need to do once this once widely popular product is no longer available for purchase.

    Why Is R-22 Phasing Out?

    Now, you might be wondering if R-22 is so popular for its superior efficiency and safety, why is it even being phased out at all? And to that, we say: “to save the environment, of course!” As effective as R-22 is, it’s also a “Class II” ozone-depleting substance (ODS) responsible for significant environmental damage. For this reason, the Montreal Protocol and U.S. Clean Air Acts have flagged it for prompt discontinuation.

    What Will You Use Instead Of R-22?

    Are you worried about the inevitable R-22 phase-out campaign? Don’t be! The truth is that there are plenty of refrigerant options specially formulated to replace R-22. R-410a is an especially popular replacement choice, as it has virtually no impact on the environment and is actually superior to R-22 at latent heat absorption and distribution making it generally more efficient. That said, if your older system exclusively uses R-22, it may not be compatible with R-410a. You might have better luck with R-407c, but you should definitely speak with an HVAC specialist who can help you choose the right refrigerant for your property.

    When Will The R-22 Phase-Out Affect You?

    If or when this R-22 phase-out will affect you depends on the type of system you have now. If you have a newer unit that runs on R-410a already, this phase-out shouldn’t affect you at all. If you’re in the process of looking for a new system, simply make sure you look specifically for units that run on R-410a. If your property is running off old HVAC units, you will likely want to upgrade quickly. As R-22 continues to phase out, you can expect to see its cost continue to skyrocket until it is ultimately impossible to find. You can typically identify what type of refrigerant an air conditioner uses by its nameplate. The refrigerant it uses, related safety information, electrical ratings, and other important information should all be listed there.

    Who Can Help You Learn More?

    Eager to learn more about how the R-22 phase-out campaign is going to affect you or upgrade your not-so-green air conditioner to a better, cleaner model? Let Tru Comfort Heating and Cooling show you the way today by calling (602) 499-7855, or simply fill out the form in the sidebar.