OT: HVAC folks

[tebmsu97]

Anyone in the HVAC business? Been hearing a lot of doom and gloom about the new R410A system prices skyrocketing in the next 2 years and wife is in panic mode, we have had to put some money into our old R-22 units and she is wanting to pull the trigger on converting.

Thanks in advance

 

[irondawgmetal]

I'm afraid you got some bad information. I have been in the HVAC business for going on 20 years now. R22 is being phased out. The government wants to completely phase out R22 and push customers to 410. R22 has skyrocketed in the last couple of years. As the government cuts 22 production more and more the price is going to rise more and more. 410 is actually going down. We have been installing 410 for over 10 years and have had no issues with it. I would highly recommend making a conversion when you can and not putting any money in a 22 system.

 

[was21]

While I have you on the line, do you recommend pouring vinegar or clorox down the drain? If so, how often? And maybe in the summertime and not in the wintertime? I get mixed answers from different HVAC experts.

 

[irondawgmetal]

People sometimes put bleach down the condensate drain to prevent drain back up. I don't know that it does a lot to help. Dust gets by the filter and attaches to the evaporator coil. The evaporator is wet during cooling season and it washes the dust off and becomes a sticky muddy substance. It goes down the drain and will collect and stop it up. Bleach is not going to do a lot to prevent this. Changing your filters regularly will do you more good than messing with the bleach.

 

[barely]

R-410A has been getting cheaper over the last 12 months

Anyone in the HVAC business? Been hearing a lot of doom and gloom about the new R410A system prices skyrocketing in the next 2 years and wife is in panic mode, we have had to put some money into our old R-22 units and she is wanting to pull the trigger on converting.

Thanks in advance

I wouldnt convert until you have to, meaning your R-22 units died.

 

[was21]

Thanks for reply.

 

[HotMop]

In 2015 all new production of A/C's will need to be 14 SEER minimum for Single Phase units. As the current minimum is 13 SEER there will most likely be a cost premium. Most manufacturers are looking into alternatives to current tube fin coils as well which may involve huge capital projects, this means the costs will need to be passed on to the consumers. Micro Channel heat exchangers and 7mm copper tube/fin coils seem to be the preference of the prototypes I'm working with.

BTW...the bleach is to kill the mold that sometimes builds up in the tubing. If you have a clog blow it out with an air compressor.