As most industry professionals know, R-22 refrigerant is being phased out. As a result, supplies have been dwindling and what is available is restrictively expensive. This might sound like bad news, but it can also be viewed as an opportunity for facility managers to take a hard look at the condition of their equipment and weigh the benefits of upgrading their HVAC equipment now to meet their facility management objectives now and in the future.
For systems not quite ready for replacement, direct refrigerant conversion may be an option with FREONTM MO99. However, a refrigerant conversion may not be the best option for your system. There are other important factors to consider, such as the age of your system and how well it’s currently performing. For some, it will be a straight-forward conversion to the new refrigerant, while others may need to look at upgrading their current equipment.
To discover the best solution for your facility management plans, it’s a good idea to start with a full assessment of your equipment; then you’ll have the information you need to plan the best way forward for your system.
Refrigerant Conversion Vs System Upgrade
As we’ve already indicated, the best option will be largely due to the age of your equipment. All HVAC equipment has a limited lifespan and if your system is more than ten years old, then it’s certainly time to consider renewing it. It could actually be more cost-effective to do so, especially if repairs and spare parts are eating into your maintenance budget. There’s also the added disruption and costs to operations due to downtime – not to mention having to dealing with irate customers and complaints.
With the phase-out of R22, this is also a good time to evaluate your future needs and plan your strategy. If you are
upgrading to a new system, by looking at your goals and anticipating growing requirements now, you can ensure your new system has the options, features, and functionality you may even be wishing you had today. The newest technology on the market is much more advanced than older systems and could lower your energy costs significantly – by as much as 40%. And if you do have any issues down the line, then any associated repair costs should be covered by warranty. There may even be tax incentives, or financial assistance, from government agencies and utility providers. So as you can see, there are many benefits associated with upgrading or installing a new system, aside from the most obvious need to replace the refrigerant you use.
By planning your system upgrade well in advance with an experienced, qualified professional you know and trust, you can avoid the higher costs of emergency service to replace parts or your entire system.
Refrigerant Conversion with FREONTM MO99
Of course, if your system is less than ten years old, and your custom assessment indicates your equipment is
performing well, the good news is that most systems can convert to FREONTM MO99.
FREONTM MO99 is a very close match to R-22 in many ways and compatible with most traditional and newer lubricants. There are other benefits too. For example, MO99 has a lower discharge temperature, which could prolong the life of compressors. Once installed in a system, it can be topped up during service without the need to
remove the entire refrigerant charge.
For most systems, retrofitting to FREONTM MO99 is a relatively simple process. It first requires removing the R-22 and replacing critical seals before restarting the system to check for leaks.
Your best bet is to start with a comprehensive assessment of your equipment. Then you’ll know the facts of what you’ll need.
You can learn more about your R-22 phaseout options by visiting the Donnelly website or call (718) 886-1500 to schedule an equipment assessment and refrigerant conversion discussion with us.
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