[GoodGuysAir]

I just read yesterdays post about older units obsolete and found misinformation that was not addressed but the post has been marked closed. I am a small HVAC contractor here in The Villages and just want to be sure you have the factual information. I also want you to know that I am not posting this for gain To prove that to you. Based on all of the comments I have seen, since I moved to the villages last year, is that the contractor Chuck Farrell is the one I would use and trust when the time comes when I am no longer able to work. I have never met Chuck but it sounds like he is runs his business like mine performing quality service at a reasonable cost and is looking out for the best interests of his customers.

False Comment: R22 for older AC's is illegal. Some contractors are telling consumers it is illegal to use after the first of the year. That is FALSE!

Truth: R22 cannot be manufactured for sale in the United States as of Jan 1, 2020. Contractors can still purchase and install R22 into existing systems. It can be purchased from any of the supply house in the area.

Comment: R22 is expensive. That comment is true. R22 is about 5 times as expensive as R410A for me, a contractor, to purchase. Although it is 5 times more expensive I only charge the customer 1.5 times the cost of R-410A because most of what I charge for refrigerant is the labor to put it in which has not went up.

Comment: R22 systems cannot be retrofitted. That statement is FALSE!

Truth: There are a variety of choices for installing a different refrigerant. Only consider this option when a repair is being made that requires, or already has, the entire R22 removed. I carry on my truck only one of the many choices for retrofit. If you have a system that you decide to retrofit the company most likely will not have it on their truck and will be trying to sell you a new system because they do not want to buy an additional tank of the refrigerant you have in your system.

Comment: Systems only last 10 to 12 years. That statement has some truth but I generally consider it FALSE!

Truth: Most of the contractors in this area have been very successful in their training of their field personal in convincing the public of this. The majority of the service calls that I run are systems ranging from 10 to 23 years old. A lot of my customers have called me because they wanted a second opinion after receiving quotes that were very high for repairs with the recommendation to replace. Most of those recommended repairs were not needed or required. Here is the villages, many have the resources to replace their system when the parts warranty runs out (typically 10 years). If that gives you piece of mind, replace it. If your budget does not allow it, get a second opinion and be smart with how you spend your money. I recommend replacement when the compressor fails, physical damage (hit by car, hurricane, etc.) or a couple of other major repairs.

Fact: A new system is more efficient and will pay for itself in energy savings. That statement of 99% of the time FALSE.

Truth: There are plenty of apps you can download to check the savings based on the SEER rating. Most of the systems installed here are 12 or 14 seer. Moving up just 2 seer will only give you a sayings of 500 to 700 every five years, Yes, I said 5 years!

Fact: If your system is running and the tech is out for routine service and recommends expensive repairs with replacement being the most economical - CHECK A SECOND OPINION! Contact me or a contractor like Chuck Farrell.

Fact: Most companies lose money on service. If you chose a contractor based on being the lowest price of their tuneup or service contract realize they only make money when you purchase additional items or decide to replace your system.

Hope this helps you to be a better informed consumer.

Take care.
The Good Guy