Repair or Replace: Existing Equipment

R-22 refrigerant is being phased out on January 1, 2020. This means it will no longer be produced or imported. If your system uses this refrigerant, you may wonder what your options are. The phase-out is timed so that you can replace your system when you choose. If you decide to keep your system, it's important to have it serviced on a regular basis. When more refrigerant is needed, you may be able to find recovered, recycled or reclaimed R-22, although it may be significantly more expensive than refrigerants used in newer systems.

When the time is right for replacement, many high-efficiency air conditioners use newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Replacing your system with a more energy-efficient one may provide significant savings on your utility bills, too.

Older HVAC systems often seem to be working well, but a few considerations can reveal the true cost of dated equipment. Older systems are not as efficient as a newer system –sometimes by as much as 50% less efficient. Over each year, that lower level of efficiency costs homeowners more and more as energy prices rise. 

A new system combats rising energy costs by being much more efficient than older systems. These utility savings often offset the cost of a new system to a large degree, especially when considering both the inefficiency and maintenance costs of an older system. 

Consider how often your existing system requires unexpected maintenance. Those visits from your contractor – and air conditioner or furnace replacement parts – can really add up. Repairs may seem cost-effective compared to investing in a brand new system, but over the course of a few years, repairs can result in costs that are higher than a new unit. A new system may seem like a big expense at first, but the amount of money saved in maintenance often shows itself to be worth the investment. 

If you think now might be the time to consider a new home comfort system, we're here to help. Start by finding your local YORK® Dealer with our Dealer Locator.

• If your system is more than 12 years old, it's likely much less efficient than a new system
• Musty or dry air often indicate a poorly operating HVAC system
• The cost of a new system can be balanced by energy savings and reduced repair costs