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  • March 30, 2011 9:15 a.m. ea_sport Reader

    I am thinking about changing my outside AC unit (from 1989) with a new one. I am not looking for anything fancy just something new so when I sell my home in the next year or so I won't have a problem with the buyer asking for a credit for a high-end AC replacement.

    Anyhow, I learned that my system uses R22 and the new system in general uses R410A which is more environmentally friendly, supposedly. My questions to the HVAC experts on this board are: 1. Should I get a brand new R22 or R410A outside unit? 1a. If I get an R22 unit, if I need the refrigerant in the future will I still be able to get it? When will this refrigerant be no longer available? 1b. If I get an R410A unit, what do I need to replace on my inside unit? The inside unit says that it can be used with both R22 and R410A. Do I need a new coil for my inside unit?

    Thanks all.

  • March 31, 2011 10:13 p.m. ea_sport Reader

    Anybody???

  • March 31, 2011 11:03 p.m. fasted58 Reader

    R22 is being phased out. No virgin R22 for new manufactured units (as of 2010) but it is allowed for servicing existing units. There will be enough supply of virgin and reclaimed R22 available to far outlast your current unit. Estimated R22 availability is 2020.

    If you're determined to replace the condensing unit for best bang for the buck in home sale why not just go w/ new R410A as R22 will be unavailable in another 10 yrs. The evaporator coil is 22 yrs old too, might wanna replace that as well so it's all new and good for another 25+ years. That's what I'd do, but it's your money.

  • 1988RedT2

    April 1, 2011 6:27 a.m. 1988RedT2 Dork

    These questions might better be directed to a qualified installer. My thinking would be, if you're just going to be selling in a year, what does it matter as long as the system works well? I'd be looking for a deal on an R22 unit and call it done.

  • nderwater

    April 1, 2011 8:16 a.m. nderwater HalfDork

    I'm in the "if it 'aint broke, don't fix it" camp. The chances are high that you won't recoup the cost of the upgrade when you sell... That is, unless you have a hook-up in the the HVAC business that can find you a used unit and will do the install for beer and pizza.

  • internetautomart

    April 1, 2011 12:08 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork

    installing an outside condensing unit is not hard. the only non-average skill needed is to sweat the lines. Otherwise not to hard. I did HVAC assisting for a while whilst unemployed.

  • April 1, 2011 11:03 p.m. fasted58 Reader

    internetautomart wrote:

    installing an outside condensing unit is not hard. the only non-average skill needed is to sweat the lines. Otherwise not to hard. I did HVAC assisting for a while whilst unemployed.

    Not for your average DIYer. You need special equipment to do this job: Refrigerant recovery machine and recovery tank, turbo torch or oxy/ ace. torch, nitrogen tank to purge the lines during silver soldering and to pressure test the system, vacuum pump, manifold gauges, digital scale to weigh in charge etc. Most important a Universal Refrigerant License to purchase and use refrigerants but some been known to work w/o it.

    Call a pro.

 
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