Tag: Chesterfield

4 Common AC Emergencies in Missouri

Jul 15, 2020

4 Common AC Emergencies in Missouri

  • Cooling
  • HVAC
AC emergencies in Missouri by No Problem

Over the course of its life, your AC will likely have a variety of mechanical issues. However, don’t be so quick to call us to fix it! A lot of times, the issue is something extremely easy to fix, like a changed thermostat or a power outage. Other times, these can be actual emergencies that can mean life or death for your AC. Let No Problem tell you about four common AC emergencies in Missouri.

Here are four AC emergencies in Missouri you’ll likely experience:

 

Screeching noises

Is your AC making more noise than it usually does? AC units are generally pretty quiet, but they can get very noisy when something is wrong. If you’re hearing screeching noises, there are two reasons why that’s happening, and one is much worse than the other. The less serious issue is that the fan belt has become loose. However, it’s possible that the compressor is operating at a high level of pressure. If that’s the case, turn off your AC immediately and call us to repair it.

 

Blowing warm air

This might be surprising, but your AC shouldn’t be blowing warm air. If it is despite your thermostat being set correctly, then you have a problem. There are a variety of reasons this can be happening. Some of the possible causes include a restriction in the air flow, a lack of electricity to the outside unit, a problem with the compressor/outdoor unit, or a low refrigerant level. You’ll have to call one of our professionals to find the cause.

 

Burning smell

If there’s ever a burning smell coming from your AC, that’s a sign of a major problem. More often than not, the burning smell is a sign of an electrical problem. Oftentimes something has heated up to the point where it has melted. It’s important to call us as soon as you can so we can take a look. Electrical problems can easily become fires if they go unchecked.

 

No air

It’s common for an AC in need of repair to not blow any air. There are a wide variety of reasons you’re not getting any air. Sometimes the problem is something as simple as a clogged air filter. However, sometimes the issue can be something far more serious. Before you call us, check over your AC for the more obvious issues. If you still can’t figure out what’s causing your AC problems, call on us to check it out.

 

What makes No Problem a high quality heating and cooling company?

For 25 years, No Problem Heating and Cooling has been working with Missouri residents on their heating and cooling systems. Our company has been inducted in the Weldon Spring Hall of Fame and won the Best HVAC Contractor Services award in St. Louis in 2013, 2014, and 2017. Our company does emergency repairs 24/7, because we know that your AC doesn’t keep normal business hours. If you want to know more about common AC emergencies in Missouri, call the experts at No Problem today!

By admin

6 Benefits of an AC Tune-Up in Chesterfield

Apr 17, 2020

6 Benefits of an AC Tune-Up in Chesterfield

  • Cooling
AC Tune-Up in Chesterfield by No Problem

As spring turns to summer, Chesterfield homeowners will be swapping out their heaters for air conditioning. But is it ready to tackle the summer heat? The people at No Problem know that it’s a good idea to give your AC a tune-up before the warm weather moves in. That way, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing your AC will survive the summer heat. Here are six reasons you should get an AC tune-up in Chesterfield before the summer arrives. 

Benefits of an Early AC Tune-Up in Chesterfield:

 

Lower electricity bills.

Summers are hot- there’s no way around it. It’s likely that you’ll want to be running your AC most days, but that can create a steep increase in electrical bills. A system with clogged filters and failing parts will need to work harder to do the same work. By tuning up your AC now, you’re increasing its efficiency and lowering your utility bills.

 

More comfort.

What would you call an AC that can’t keep you cool? A bad one. Summers can be tough even for modern systems. If you want to keep a consistently cool, you’ll want our professionals at No Problem to make sure your AC is running at top performance.

 

Fewer breakdowns.

If you use your AC system this summer, are you certain that it won’t fail to start up? Do you know for sure that it’ll run smoothly all season? If you’re not sure, give us a call! Our tune-ups come with a complete inspection that can identify problems before they cause a breakdown.

 

Cheaper repair bills.

In the event that your AC winds up needing repairs, they’ll likely be cheaper if you’ve gotten maintenance beforehand. The reason for that is because our maintenance addresses the more costly problems (like air flow issues and broken parts) during our inspections.

 

Extended AC lifespan.

If you want your AC system to stay operational for a long time, you’ll want to give it regular maintenance. By routinely checking on your AC and preventing breakdowns, we can help extend your AC’s lifespan by years. Without regular maintenance, the average AC only lasts a few years.

 

Better air quality.

During the months where you never use your AC, various bits of dust and grime build up in it. When you turn it on, all that nasty junk is going to go into the air, which can hurt your air quality and aggravate those summer allergies. When you call No Problem to give your AC a tune-up, we’ll clean it out, ensuring that your home’s air stays fresh.

 

Why should I choose No Problem for my cooling needs?

 

No Problem Heating and Cooling has been helping Missouri homeowners with their heating and cooling systems since 1994. Scheduling an AC tune-up with us is a great way to keep you AC working at its best. Our highly-trained professionals will look over every part of your AC to make sure it’ll last the year. In addition, we also offer excellent service guarantees, warranties on all parts and services, and seasonal rebates. If you want to learn more about our AC maintenance program, call No Problem today!

By admin

4 Air Quality Benefits of Blue UV Light

Mar 31, 2020

4 Air Quality Benefits of Blue UV Light

  • HVAC
HVAC cleaning in Missouri by No Problem

Blue UV light has been used to eradicate bacteria for a little over half a century now. Known as ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI,) UV light has been harnessed for a variety of sterilization purposes. One of the more mundane uses of UV light is to clean your home’s air supply. By installing a UV light in your HVAC, you can greatly cut down on the amount of contaminants in your home.

 

Here are four ways blue UV light can help your home’s air quality:

 

Improved airflow

Ultraviolet-C (UVC) technology has seen usage since the mid-1990s. Back then, UV lamps saw frequent usage as a means to improve a home’s air quality. Nowadays, we can install them inside HVAC units to kill germs that move through the system. This method also carries the benefit of helping avoid exposure to the UV light, which can cause skin and eye conditions. By using UVC, you can prevent microbial growth in various parts of your HVAC system.

 

Increased energy efficiency

Installing a blue UV light in your HVAC can save around 35% off of your energy bill. The light does this by easing the HVAC’s workload and making it more effective. Of course, HVACs can also become less efficient because of the buildup of dust and other contaminants inside it. Giving your HVAC annual maintenance and cleaning is important in keeping it working effectively.

 

Disease prevention

Your HVAC’s job is to circulate air throughout your home, but disease can also spread by using the HVAC, as well. Since UV lighting prevents the buildup of organic contaminants on interior HVAC structures, UV lights can do a lot to prevent the spread of disease.

 

Cost-effective

Adding a UV light to your system is a way of helping it keep itself clean. This makes them very cost-efficient for modern homeowners. However, you’ll want to contact one of our professional technicians before getting them installed. There are a variety of factors that go into the light’s effectiveness, such as the number and intensity of the lights, your home’s temperature and humidity, and how reflective the surrounding surfaces are.

 

Why choose No Problem to make my HVAC system germ-resistant?

No Problem Heating and Cooling is a Missouri-based home service company that knows its HVAC systems. Our company has won the 2013, 2014, and 2017 Best HVAC Contractor Services Award for our outstanding service. When you see our service record, we’re confident that you’ll know we’re the best choice. If you’re interested in knowing more about UV lighting for your HVAC system, call No Problem any time!

By admin

Save Cash With Our Holiday Energy Tips!

Nov 29, 2019

Save Cash With Our Holiday Energy Tips!

  • HVAC
holiday energy tips in Missouri by No Problem

The holiday season is upon us and many of us are readying their lights, their heat, and their and ovens to celebrate. However, the holidays can be a major contributor to your annual energy bill. Oftentimes, the holidays can be the biggest energy drain for your home. Fortunately, if you’re looking to reduce your spending over the holidays, we’re here to help. We can offer you a variety of holiday energy tips to help you save energy while still being festive. Consider these an early Christmas present from us to you.

Take a look below at our holiday energy tips for you:

 

More guests, less heating

Having friends and family over is one of the best parts of the holidays. Even better, they can help you reduce your heating bill. When you have lots of people in your home, their body heat can raise your home’s temperature. If you balance this increase out by turning down the thermostat before the company arrives, you can expect to save about 3% off your energy bill for every degree you drop the temperature.

 

Give green gifts

Does your gift list include appliances or similar electronics? Keep an eye out for appliances with the Energy Star label on them, as they’re generally the most energy-efficient models around. Similarly, consider getting rechargeable batteries instead of normal ones. While they cost more, they last longer and won’t pollute a dump when they first run out of juice.

 

Cook smarter, not harder

When cooking this holiday season, consider some of these useful tips:

  • Use the smallest appliance necessary, like a microwave or toaster oven, to cook your meals.
  • Cook side dishes along with main courses, such as Christmas ham. Keep in mind the temperature of the oven and how that’ll affect the cooking time for the side dishes.
  • Keep lids on and the oven door closed when cooking. Even short peeks can force your oven to work harder to maintain the proper temperature.

 

Unplug before vacations

When electrical devices are plugged in, they’ll continue to use small amounts of energy, even when turned off. Unplug electronics like printers, computers, and TVs before you head out on vacation.

 

Deck the halls with LED lights

You probably like to decorate your Christmas tree and home with lights during the winter. If you don’t have them, consider switching to LED lights. They’re much more energy-efficient, using about 10% of the energy conventional Christmas lights use. Also, they produce much less heat, making them safer to use on a Christmas tree.

 

Why call No Problem to handle my holiday heating problems?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward furnace repair or you need a new furnace, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call us today to learn more about our heating services!

By Brian Renadette

8 Signs of Imminent Furnace Failure

Nov 15, 2019

8 Signs of Imminent Furnace Failure

  • Heating
furnace failure in Missouri by No Problem

It’s never enjoyable waking up freezing in the middle of the night. However, that can happen if you wind up dealing with a furnace failure. Even if you’ve gotten your furnace a tune-up, some problems have a way of sneaking up on you. Fortunately, the experts at No Problem Heating and Cooling can tell you what behaviors indicate a furnace in need of our services

Here are eight signs that you’ll soon be seeing a furnace failure:

 

Gas leaks

Having your furnace leaking flammable gas is an extremely dangerous problem. You should turn off the gas supply valve right away if you smell gas. Afterward, call your gas supplier and get them to help you find the problem. In the meantime, stay outside your house and avoid messing with matches or switches. Alternatively, you may be dealing with carbon monoxide, another gas furnaces can leak. It’s an odorless gas, so you have to rely on carbon monoxide detectors or knowing the symptoms to detect it. If there is a carbon monoxide leak, leave the house and call the fire department.

 

Old age

On average, modern furnaces can last 16 to 20 years old if they’ve been cared for properly. If your furnace is getting this old, you should look for a replacement. You’ll have more time to look for a furnace if yours isn’t broken down yet.

 

No ignition

Having your furnace be unable to ignite means you won’t be getting any heat. Modern furnaces use either a Hot Surface Ignition system or an Intermittent Pilot system. The first system uses a controlled resistance heating element to heat the gas burner. Meanwhile, the second system uses a high voltage electric spark to ignite the gas pilot with the main burners. This probably won’t matter much to you, as you’ll need a professional’s assistance to fix both of these.

 

Mechanical problems/loud noises

Wear and tear is a common problem for furnaces and anything else with plenty of mechanical parts. A common sign of mechanical problems is if your furnace is noisier than usual. Many different mechanical problems can cause these noises, so we suggest giving us a call to diagnose the problem.

 

Higher heating bills

Oftentimes, a furnace that’s not running its best can wind up causing your heating bills to rise. A variety of problems can make your furnace inefficient, which means it’ll use more energy to heat your home. It’s also worth noting that inefficient furnaces tend to die quicker to the heavier workload.

 

Clogged filters

It’s important to regularly change out and clean your furnace’s filters, as they tend to get dirty quickly. The filters are meant to allow air to cool your furnace while keeping contaminants out. If they get mucked up, it can result in reduced airflow and constant cycling, which is when the furnace turns on and off.

 

Fluctuating temperatures

At times, your home’s temperature may fluctuate even though the thermostat stays the same. Oftentimes, this is because your furnace is becoming inefficient and can’t evenly regulate your home’s temperature.

 

Yellow burner flame

If the burner’s flame is yellow or flickering a lot, your furnace may start producing carbon monoxide. Other signs your furnace may produce carbon monoxide include:

*Streaks of soot around the furnace.

*No upward draft in your chimney.

*Excess moisture on walls, windows, and other cold surfaces.

*Excessive rusting on appliance jacks, flue pipes, and other pipe connections.

*Small amounts of water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent, or flue pipe.

*Rust on the part of the vent pipe visible from the outside.

 

What makes No Problem my best source for heating services?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward furnace repair or you need a new furnace, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call us today to learn more about our furnace services!

By Brian Renadette

5 Signs You Need A New Furnace Filter

Oct 25, 2019

5 Signs You Need A New Furnace Filter

  • Heating
new furnace filter in Missouri by No Problem

When it comes to replacing the filter in your furnace, there’s no exact science to it. Many different factors can change the recommended replacement time. Some of these include owning pets, the manufacturer’s instructions, and how much you run the furnace. Whatever the case may be, it’s always important to change out your filters when needed. However, a big part of changing your filters is to know the signs that your filter needs changing. Here at No Problem, we can help give you some signs that you should watch for.

Here are five signs that you should get a new furnace filter:

 

Rising energy bills

Dirty and clogged filters can be a major reason your energy bills increase. You might not notice yourself turning up the heat more, but you’ll likely notice the jump in your energy bills. Keeping your filters well-maintained can help you cut 5-15% off of your bills.

 

Visible grime

If you look at your filter and it looks filthy, that’s a good sign it might need changing soon. Dirty filters are usually gray and usually have some dirt and dust on the filter itself.

 

Burning smells

When the filters or burner motor in your furnace start to overheat, they can emit a burning smell. To prevent this, furnaces need to have some air flowing through their system. However, it can’t do this if the filter gets clogged and air can’t get through. Getting a new filter for your furnace can help its parts avoid overheating.

 

Feeling sick

Bad health can be a hard sign to link to your furnace. Especially since you’ll often see allergies and sinus problems as seasons change. However, if your allergies seem worse than usual, you might want to take a look at your furnace’s filter. A compromised filter can result in your home’s air quality dropping.

 

Every three months

As we mentioned before, there are plenty of factors that determine the best time to change your filter. However, one of the better recommendations is to change it every three months minimum. You might want to change it more when you have it working hard, such as in the middle of winter. That’s fine, and you should fine-tune your filter-changing schedule based on your home’s needs. Our experts can help you determine the best time frame for replacing your filters.

 

Why call No Problem to work on my furnace?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward furnace repair or you need a new furnace, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call us today to learn more about our furnace services!

By Brian Renadette

How to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

Oct 11, 2019

How to Shut Down Your AC for the Winter

  • Cooling
AC shut down winter in Missouri by No Problem

October is here and we’ve gotten our furnaces ready for the incoming winter weather. But how much have you done for your air conditioner? Although you won’t be using it at all, your AC has a condenser outside that needs to be shut down before winter arrives. If you don’t give it the protection it needs, it’ll be heavily damaged and might not work when you try to use it next summer.  Ensure you’ll have a cool summer by following our step-by-step guide to protecting your AC.

Here’s how you shut down your AC for the winter:

 

Ensure both units are repaired

Your AC has an indoor unit and an outdoor condenser, and both should be in good condition. If you can tell one or both of them need work, give us a call to fix them up. You shouldn’t leave any issues to fester over the winter, or they can cause more serious damage down the line.

 

Disconnect the condenser’s power

One of the most important parts of shutting down your AC is ensuring the condenser isn’t getting any power. Even if it’s connected but turned off, a warm spell could cause it to turn on automatically. This could cause it to take damage as it sucks in ice and snow. To disconnect it, you need to shut off the air conditioner’s breaker switch, which is usually found on the side of the house or under a flip-up switch near the condenser. Keep in mind that this switch has to be turned back on next time you want to use the AC. If your AC doesn’t turn on the next time you use it, that switch may be the reason.

 

Clean up the condenser

With the power now disconnected, you should clean up the condenser and the area around it. You should sweep the area with a broom and clear away any debris on or around the condenser. Next, use a low-pressure spray from your hose to wash off the outside cabinet. While it dries, double-check the condenser for damage. It’s good to also see if the filter needs replacing or the seals need to be tightened by professionals.

 

Cover the condenser

When it dries, all that remains is to cover the condenser with a water-proof cover and tightly secure it with bungee ropes. Everything you need for that can be purchased at a local hardware store. If you have a water-proof tarp, that can work as well assuming it completely covers the condenser.

 

What makes No Problem Heating & Cooling one of the area’s best heating and cooling companies?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward AC repair or you need a new AC, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call us today and we can help you prepare your home for the winter!

By Brian Renadette

5 Benefits of a Furnace Tune-Up

Sep 27, 2019

5 Benefits of a Furnace Tune-Up

  • Heating
furnace tune-up in Missouri by No Problem

Fall is here and it’s time to get your heating ready for the approaching winter. One of the more common heating systems you might use is a furnace. If you have one, you likely haven’t been using it for at least half the year. Also, all that inactivity may have worn down your furnace. To make sure it’ll work, we suggest calling for a furnace tune-up. You never know how healthy your furnace is after a long break, so calling for a tune-up is always a smart move.

Here are five reasons that getting a furnace tune-up is a good idea:

 

Determine your furnace’s health

When you get your furnace tuned-up, you’ll be able to understand how your furnace is faring. Knowing this, you’ll have a good idea on whether you need to get a furnace replacement. If you scheduled your tune-up early in the season and you choose to replace, you’ll have plenty of time to shop around for new furnaces.

 

Prolong your furnace’s life

Furnaces need the occasional tune-up in order to ensure they’ll work as long as possible. Ignoring the needs of your furnace will only hurt it in the long run. Also, poorly-maintained furnaces tend to break down at the worst possible moments.

 

Higher energy efficiency

Running a furnace to heat your home can be expensive. According to the Department of Energy, it can contribute to about half of the average homeowner’s energy bill. Fortunately, keeping your furnace in good condition can lower that percentage. A tune-up can deal with most problems that can reduce your furnace’s energy efficiency. Well-tuned furnaces use about 30% less energy than usual.

 

Prevent deadly gas leaks

Poorly-maintained gas furnaces can become serious dangers to you and your family. Carbon monoxide, which can be released from malfunctioning furnaces, is deadly to people and many animals. Meanwhile, badly-maintained gas furnaces can also leak flammable gasses that can start house fires if ignited.

Cheaper than major repairs

Our furnace tune-up services cost money, but they’re cheaper than major repairs for a broken furnace. During tune-up jobs, we’ll fix any small problems we find that could lead to something worse later. By doing this, we’ll protect you from a surprise breakdown and you won’t pay for a major repair.

 

Why is No Problem my best choice for keeping my furnace running strong?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward furnace repair or you need a new furnace, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call No Problem today to arrange for your furnace tune-up!

By Brian Renadette

6 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

Sep 13, 2019

6 Ways to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

  • HVAC
air quality in Missouri by No Problem

You might think air pollution is only a problem that happens outdoors. However, your indoor air quality can also become a serious issue.  To keep our homes at a comfortable temperature, we insulate our homes from the air outside. This has the unfortunate side effect of making the air inside stale, contaminating the air with dust and other contaminants. If you’re looking to be able to breathe easy in your home, take a look at our tips on how to improve your home’s air quality.

Here are six tips to improve your indoor air quality:

 

Get an air purifier

Do the indoor allergens in your home give you sneezing fits? It might be worth considering investing in an air purifier for your home. Getting one can help you cut down on the contaminants in your home. Also, you may want to install a dehumidifier in your home to protect against mold. It’s very common for mold to grow in basements, so you might want to install a dehumidifier down there.

 

Clean often, clean heavily

One of the easiest ways to keep your indoor air quality in check is to keep your home clean. Oftentimes, dust mites, an airborne contaminant, will linger in fabrics in your home, such as on your couch. Regularly cleaning your furniture, rugs, and drapes can help keep dust to a minimum. Cleaning away contaminants is especially important if you own pets who leave dandruff around your home.

 

Keep the vents clean

Vents are another part of your home that should get a regular cleaning. Vents, whether used for HVAC or otherwise, act as a way to circulate air throughout your home. Unfortunately, it’s common for mold to grow and dust to accumulate in there and spread through the vents and your home. Getting regular duct cleaning can go a long way toward keeping your air clean.

 

Use more mild cleaning products

While cleaning products can be useful, the smell of ammonia and bleach can bother some people. If that’s a problem for you or your family, you can try replacing your cleaning products with more mild solutions. For example, a 50-50 mix of water and vinegar is good at cleaning windows and cutting through grease and mildew. A similar consideration is to avoid buying products like paint and paint remover in bulk. Even when sealed, the cans are capable of emitting fumes that can be unpleasant.

 

Keep your windows open

If the temperature is okay and you don’t have problems with outdoor air pollution, you might want to leave the windows open. Letting the fresh outdoor air blow into your home can help get rid of the stagnant air in your home. It’s also a good idea to use a fan of some kind in the kitchen to air out any cooking fumes.

 

Give your AC proper maintenance

Air conditioners are capable of doing more than keeping your home cool. They can help freshen up the stale air and keep your home from getting too humid. Also, most AC units have a filter inside that helps catch contaminants. Keeping that filter clean can also help your home’s air stay fresh.

 

What makes No Problem my best bet for keeping my air fresh?

We offer sales, service, and installation for all of your repair, service or installation needs. Whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality corporations we do it all. It doesn’t matter if you need a straightforward air conditioner repair or you need a new air conditioner system, we can handle the job. We have become the most trusted name in the St. Charles area for a reason. You can believe us when we say we treat our customers right. We are proud to have recently won the prestigious 2017 “Best of St. Charles” award for the Heating Contractor Services category. We are eager to demonstrate to you the level of service and integrity that earned us this award. Call No Problem Heating and Cooling today to learn more about improving your indoor air quality!

By Brian Renadette

R22 Refrigerant: Replace it Soon!

Aug 30, 2019

R22 Refrigerant: Replace it Soon!

  • Cooling
R22 Refrigerant in Missouri by No Problem

In your home, do you have an older AC, such as from before 2010? If so, then we have some important information for you. Refrigerant is a liquid inside your AC that moves between various parts to move heat, cooling your home. Chlorodifluoromethane, better known as R22 refrigerant or Freon, is one of the more popular kinds of refrigerant in the country. However, in about four months, that’s going to change.

A history of R22 refrigerant, past, and future

R22 refrigerant first saw usage when it was first created in the 1950s. It’s particularly popular for its usage in residential and commercial heating and cooling. However, in the 1970s, people discovered that R22 and similar refrigerants cause major damage to the ozone layer. As a result, the EPA and various global organizations created the Montreal Protocol, a plan to phase out ozone-damaging refrigerants. Starting in 2004, we’ve been phasing out the usage of R22 and similar gasses. One of these deadlines came in at the start of 2010. Since then, there are no manufacturers that produce AC units that use R22. The final deadline comes in at the start of 2020. When that comes around, no one will be producing R22 anymore, except for recovered and recycled R22.

What does this mean for those who use AC units with R22? Simply put, you’ll be paying a lot more to keep your old AC working. Given that older AC units already tend to need more service, your more frequent AC service calls will cost a lot more. Also, there are strict regulations on recovering and recycling R22, and only EPA-certified technicians can buy what remains of the R22 supply. This all means that R22 and all repairs involving it will cost a lot more when New Year’s rolls around.

What should you do?

With R22 prices soon rising, your best bet is to get a new AC. At No Problem Heating and Cooling, we offer new, energy-efficient models that use R401a refrigerant, which is newer and more environmentally friendly than R22. It’s possible to retrofit older units to use R401a, but that can cost as much as a new model and is certain to void the warranty. There’s also the possibility that you wind up breaking your AC, requiring to you buy a new one.

But how do you know your AC uses R22? Odds are, if your AC was made before 2010, then it uses R22. If not, then it probably uses a different refrigerant. To be certain, you should check your AC unit’s manual or nameplate, which can usually be found on the outside condenser. If you can’t find them or are still unsure, check with the AC unit’s manufacturer or call us.

Call No Problem Heating and Cooling to learn more about how we can help you get a more modern AC!

By Brian Renadette