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Posted: June 22, 2020
This is one of the most common problems we encounter with an older air conditioning system.
If our technician finds an ice build-up on the evaporator coil and stains on the refrigerant piping, this usually indicates a loss of refrigerant. You are either low on refrigerant or completely out.
Your Wilson cooling technician can “recharge” the system with the proper amount of refrigerant so cool air can flow again.
This seems like a simple solution but if you have an old system that uses outdated R22 refrigerant, adding more of it can be a costly expense.
That’s because as of January 1, 2020, the deadline has been reached on the halting of production and import of R22 refrigerant, which has been phased out because it has proven to be harmful to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere.
R22, will no longer be produced and will eventually disappear from the market entirely. As you would expect, the scarcity of this product will result in exorbitant costs for anyone who needs A/C system repairs and recharges for an R22-reliant system.
The good news is that all cooling systems made since 2010 use a more environmentally-friendly refrigerant called R-410A. That’s why you should consider upgrading to a modern cooling system.
Over time, the outdoor portion of your system experiences wear and tear from the elements, which eventually results in a leak. Often, refrigerant leaks are not easy to detect (as you would be able to do with a water leak). When we do our annual tune-up and inspection, our cooling technician will always check the level of refrigerant to be sure your system will perform properly throughout the summer.
If you find that your system is not cooling your home the way it once was, please contact us for service. Besides a problem with the refrigerant, other possible causes can include an obstructed airflow blockage ( in the ductwork or filters), a dirty evaporator coil or a problem with system controls–the thermostat and blower fans need to be set correctly to operate properly again.
But if you’re finding that your system needs to be recharged with refrigerant too often, it’s time to consider a new, high-efficiency A/C system that uses a more economical and environmentally friendly refrigerant—not expensive R-22.
Don’t sweat through another summer! Contact us to learn more about A/C repairs, system maintenance and your options in new cooling equipment. Wilson Oil & Propane—serving the Delaware Valley in PA, New Castle County in DE and Gloucester and Salem counties in NJ.
