Posted on 05/28/2016 6:59:35 AM PDT by central_va
I just got charged $200.00 for two pounds of R-22. 2 pounds!!!!
That wasn't me. You are right about the records and reporting. I stopped being a service tech just after all the new regs and reclaim machines. Service techs have to account for every ounce.
I moved into commercial HVAC controls. Felt sorry for those guys hauling all that equipment up onto rooftops to service AC systems. And the customers who had to pay all the added costs.
It is no longer made, ruled bad for the Ozone. All new home systems using 410C way cheaper also
1) the patents expired
2) industry developed a new, patented product
3) corrupt politicians banned the manufacture of the old coolant to promote sales of the new patented product. For the children, of course.
4) existing supplies of the old coolant became increasingly valuable despite the expiration of the patent, while consumers were forced to buy new, more expensive, and less efficient appliances.
The old coolant is, of course, cheaply available in much of the world, but in the US, industry made money, the politicians made money, and the consumer got screwed.
Kind of like buying light bulbs these days.
Would be a good point for Trump to make ... Wonder how many citizens feel pride doing their civic duty when buying light bulbs these days.
Makes me furious
Still kicking myself for not buying several tanks before the scheme became law.
Have a leaky old system.
R-12 Freon is expensive due to cronie-crapitalism. DuPont ‘ s exclusive patent and extensions were about to run out. All of a sudden it was “discovered” that R-12 was harmful to the ozone layer and the only safe alternative was R-134a produced by...DuPont with an exclusive patent. (This is the short version of my freon rant, on smart phone at work)
When the Ozone Hole doesn’t get any smaller, who to sue?
I’m willing to bet that 30lb, $275 bottle of “R22” contains zero difluoromonochloromethane. You’re confusing an R22 “replacement refrigerant” with genuine R22.
I.E;
Cane sugar is sugar. Sugar is sweet.
Saccharine may be sweet, but it is not sugar.
Anyone have any experience with drop-in replacements for R-22 like http://www.comstarproducts.com/rs-44-refrigerant
1 dollar to cover the cost of materials, 99 dollars for regulatory costs.
I was in China while ago, it sold for less than a dollar a can (roughly one pound) there.
You got by cheap...I was recently quoted $350 a pound for R-22. Due to environmental idiocy R-22 is no longer manufactured and what is available is from recycled sources. Probably cheaper to replace your AC than do repairs and refill an R-22 system. Be careful about cheap R-22. I have heard that disreputable types are using propane turning your AC into a bomb.
I had to pay $460 for one bottle of the stuff. All tax and penalty. Goes to no good. Just punishment.
Enviromentalists claimed that the "ozone hole" in the upper atmosphere was allergic to R-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and its use would require everyone in the world to wear SPF-20,000 suntan lotion to prevent skin cancer.
Depending on where you live your utlity company may pay for a portion of the replacement cost of your existing system.
A newer system usually uses less electricity so the utility company gets to resell the amount of electricity that you’re not using to somebody else without having to build another Generation Plant.
depending on what you’re using that Refrigeration for may also qualify you for other programs for example agricultural programs are also available to help replace inefficient systems
what you want to look at is the cost out of your pocket for replacement and how much electricity you would save when making a decision....factor in maintenance costs too...like the next time you get to buy some more R22
for example if the electrical cost difference would pay itself off in the period of five years you would in effect be getting a 20% return on investment, have new equipment and after 5 Years be putting money in your pocket
then you could buy better quality whiskey and invite me over
I recently had to replace a 19 year old HVAC system. The final straw was that the coil for the AC had a leak, they said they could recharge it for $100 a pound, last year it was $75 a pound. Guy told me the companies are only allowed to make so much of the old stuff as they are trying to phase it out.
When I finally agreed to buy a new system, much more energy efficient I might add, the HVAC company told me it would be 10 days before they could put in the new system and they would be happy to recharge my old unit for “FREE”. Free my Ass, I was spending almost $8600 with them. The EPA and government regulations force you to put in a new shystem no matter what. I will say that when they pulled that old system out it was on it’s last legs and I am glad I did it but I question the cost of what it takes.
R-12 prices have since declined. If you have a license, R-12 recently temporarily dipped below the price of R-134a.
Thanks jcon.
Have two units to replace. AC/GAS furnace combo’s, both 10 SEER. Guess I shouldn’t complain since both are approaching 20 years of age lol.
We rarely use the gas furnaces, so I may get by with having the A frame’s and compressor units replaced. Guess I should get a couple of bids, and decide if it makes sense to keep nursing them along till they die or not.
Starting to think like my deceased Dad a bit. His unit seized a compressor and he said to me, “lets go to Walmart and pick up a window unit. No point spending money on something I won’t be using long term lol”.
Well you’re pretty handy if you even know how to charge a system and have the tools to do it.
Again depending on where you live theres possibly money back on upgrading your system. . Id check w your county to see if they have a program. as much as I hate the gov theyve taken our money and giving it away on stuff like this to others. Id rather see you get it then let it go to waste.
Also check w your tax guy for tax credits before you change anything
10 SEER is pretty weak and your utility bills must suck. Your going to be better off doing something proactive.
I live in Calif in a dry climate so have gone compltetly away from AC and gone to high effiency swamp coolers. On one house I have I use a rooftop unit that works better and WAY cheaper than AC. Its a 7500CFM unit that has an auto water drain down every 5hrs and thermostat. Cools A 2500 sf house even when 100 degrees out.
Spend most of my time now in a 1200 sf farm house and have a window unit I got for about $550 that drops temp between 25-30 degrees. Similiar filter as the other rooftop unit... one big fat cadboard looking filter.. I can send you links if you like Home Depot sells them, the Lowes version is not as well rated.
I use mostly wood to heat and only my propane forced air in early Fall and Spring.
If you live in humid area then AC better.
I also like the mini split systems .. all electric. Some of those are insanely efficient / cost effective and less than $2000 for a smaller house. Not sure if youre familiar w those but are also worth a look.... some are now over 20 seer and simple systems..
none better than water cooler and wood heat though....provded you have access to wood
Bottom line you seem handy and may be able to do one of these systems yourself.... maybe get some kind of tax crefit...rebate etc and save operating costs..
Good luck
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