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Heating & Air Conditioning

Central air replacing R12 compressor

10 years ago

I have a 15 year old central ac system on Long Island. System is a 3 1/2 ton and has worked great for many years. I have been adding 1-2 pounds of R12 yearly for the past few years, leaks likely from slowly decomposing compressor coils (?).

Question is this:
I have one HVAC guy I use that recommends I upgrade to a 134a system which will require swap of the blower/ handler and compressor to the tune of 5-6K. My original installer tells me my blower/handler is in excellent shape and I should get 25 years out of it. He suggests I get a nitrogen charged R12 compressor (which I didn't even think they made anymore) and it would tie in to my existing system and cost about $2300.

That is certainly a less expensive alternative BUT what will the availability be of R12 in 5, 10, 15 years? and will the long term cost of putting an a newer more efficient 134a system be actually LESS?

Thanks to all for your responses!

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Comments (3)

mike_home
10 years ago
Your current AC condenser uses R22. The new refrigerant is R410a. The refrigerants you listed are not used in residential HVAC systems.

I think continuing with a R22 system is a waste of money. You are paying a lot of money just for the refrigerant. If you want to keep the current air handler then you should be able to change the indoor coil and the condenser. If the lineset is relatively easy to change, I would change that also.

I you are planning to live in this house another 10 years then I would also recommend changing the air handler. You will eventually spend money on either repairing or replacing it. If the funds are available then do it now and get the maximum efficiency out of it. Electricity prices on Long Island are high. You will see a pay back on spending the extra money for better efficiency.
thew60
Original Author
10 years ago
Mike, I stand corrected on the nomenclature. Not my area of expertise which is why I posted. If that is the case I will keep what I have until it dies then get a shiny new, and more efficient system.
Would I then replace ALL but the ducts and electrical ??
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mike_home
10 years ago
No problem, all the nomenclature can get very confusing.

How much is it costing you to add 1 - 2 pounds of R22 to your condenser every year? How many more years are you planning to do this? Wouldn't it make more sense to put that money towards a new system now?

No new duct work should be required if it is the correct size and there are no leaks. A good contractor should measure and inspect it to verify this.

The electrical connection also needs to be verified that it is the correct amperage and meets the electrical code. It is standard practice to change the outside electrical wiring and possibly the disconnect block.

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