06/13/2023
Hey everyone! I apologize for my lack of engagement on our page this spring. We have been so busy this year, even in mild weather!
With summer officially around the corner, I usually post basic HVAC maintenance tips. I will share that link later, but this summer I would like to focus on something that may hit a little bit closer to home.
If you have an R-22 air conditioning or heat pump system like I do, there are a few options on the table in regards to a refrigerant issue. (After eliminating any potential airflow problems, of course. For example, plugged filter, dirty evap coil, substandard ductwork, etc):
1) If your system is slightly low on refrigerant, we do have limited supplies of R-22 on hand to top it off.
2) If your system is very low on refrigerant (indicating a major leak), we will, with your approval, pressurize the system with nitrogen and find it. We don't take the lazy way out and use contaminating UV dyes. We get down on our hands and knees, or up on a ladder and look for it with soap, isolating components if necessary. If the leak is repairable, we will do so by brazing it, pressure testing the whole system again, evacuating, and charging it with a much cheaper drop-in replacement refrigerant.
3) If a refrigerant leak is not repairable, or we find a bad mechanical part that is not available or not economical to replace, only then will we recommend replacement.
I will not recommend anything to a customer that I wouldn't do in my own house. That's just being honest. I won't get rich, but I will certainly sleep good and cool at night.
Regards,
Kyle Rawles
P.S. Feeling sticker shock after a quote from a national conglomerate? Hit the call now button and leave a message. We would be happy to take a look at it!