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What’s an Air Conditioning Dry Charge?

Over the past decade, both the U.S. and Canadian governments have directed that all makers of air conditioning equipment halt production of the refrigerant R-22 (Freon) or Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These refrigerants have been commonly used in air conditioners and heat pumps for many decades. These mandates are anticipated to have the HVAC industry move to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant with a technical code R410A. R410A has been proven to be safer for the environment. 

In late 2010 reputable air conditioning producers began manufacturing Air Conditioning and Heat Pump units, without adding refrigerant at the factory. These systems are more commonly called “dry charged units”. These A/C units can legally be sold and installed which permits your Columbus area HVAC contractor to charge the unit on-site with R22. R22 is still legal for AC repair or service for a few more years. The reason for these Dry Charged Units is to give the greater Columbus area a more simple and relatively inexpensive replacement option for central air conditioners and heat pumps. However, these units also bypass the spirit of the mandates, which was to help the environment by introducing more environment friendly solutions. 

Columbus homeowners should understand that these Dry Charged Units are allowed in the U.S. and Canada. Taking advantage of an unclear definition of the outdoor unit in these policies, the entire outdoor unit is technically considered a replacement “part”. Today, condensers or heat pumps intended for use in a replacement R-22 system are often referred to as “Dry Charge” or “Nitrogen Charged” systems. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about this recent A/C Dry Charge trend. 

Does it make sense to buy a Dry Charge Air Conditioning Unit? 

Well, it really depends on a number of things. The most important thing to do is learn what types of HVAC equipment the heating and air conditioning industry has to offer and seek solutions to address your personal comfort, efficiency and lifestyle needs. Take time to understand the benefits and difference between a dry charge unit and new air conditioning products with R-410A refrigerant. 

Top reasons for buying an R-410A system 

Current R-410A systems provide benefits to Columbus homeowners that Dry Charge units do not. Some of the benefits include: 

  • Increased energy efficiency for comfort at a cost savings 
  • Leading technology to lower humidity 
  • Current production refrigerant solutions ensuring longer life and extended availability of refrigerant 
  • Longer warranty periods for significant peace of mind 
  • Quieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environment 
  • Earth friendly refrigerant that reduces the carbon imprint that negatively impacts our environment 
  • Matched coil solutions for enhanced reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performance 

Are Dry Charge units legal? 

Absolutely. There are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, however, it can only be used as a repair to an existing system. 

Does a warranty come with a Dry Charge Unit? 

The majority of manufacturers have established a standard 5-year parts warranty on dry charge units. While this offers industry standard protection on the components it does not provide protection against R-22 refrigerant prices, which are expected to increase substantially. 

How expensive will R-22 get in the next few years? 

It is likely that as a result of supply and demand, the refrigerant will probably go up in price. As the phase out process of R22 continues, new R-22 refrigerant production will progressively be reduced, with full elimination of its production in 2020. Until that date, indications are that there will likely be sufficient supply to meet the current demand. 

If you have more questions about refrigerant, we encourage you to contact Stevenson Service Experts for clarification. 

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