What’s an Air Conditioning Dry Charge?

Over the past several years, both the U.S. and Canadian governments have mandated that all manufacturers of air conditioning equipment phase out production of the refrigerant R-22 (Freon) or Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These refrigerants have been typically used in air conditioners and heat pumps for a long time. The R-22 and HCFC mandates are intended to have the HVAC industry move to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant with a technical label R410A. R410A has been proven to be safer for the environment. 

In late 2010 the majority of air conditioning manufacturers began manufacturing Air Conditioning and Heat Pump units, without adding refrigerant at the factory. Such systems are more commonly called “dry charged units”. The units can legally be sold and installed which permits your Calgary area HVAC contractor to charge the unit on-site with R22. R22 is still legal for AC repair or service for a few more years. The reason for these Dry Charged Units is to offer the greater Calgary area a more simple and affordable replacement option for central air conditioners and heat pumps. However, these units also dodge the spirit of the mandates, which was intended to better protect our environment by moving the air conditioning industry to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant. 

Calgary homeowners should understand that these Dry Charged Units are allowed in the U.S. and Canada. Because of some key ambiguities in the written policies, the entire outdoor unit is technically looked upon as a replacement “part”. Today, condensers or heat pumps intended for use in a replacement R-22 system are now referred to as “Dry Charge” or “Nitrogen Charged” systems. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about this recent A/C Dry Charge trend. 

Should I buy a “Dry Charge” A/C system? 

The answer to this question hinges on a number of things. The most important thing to do is determine what types of HVAC equipment the heating and air conditioning industry offers and seek solutions to meet your personal comfort, efficiency and lifestyle needs. Take time to understand the benefits and difference between a dry charge unit and new air conditioning products with R-410A refrigerant. 

Reasons to buy an R-410A refrigerant system 

Current R-410A systems offer benefits to Calgary homeowners that Dry Charge units do not. Some of the benefits include: 

• Increased energy efficiency for affordable in-home comfort 
• Province-of-the-art technology to reduce humidity 
• Current production refrigerant solutions allowing longer life and extended availability of refrigerant 

• Extended warranty periods for even greater peace of mind 
• Quieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environment 
• Eco friendly refrigerant that reduces the carbon imprint that negatively impacts our environment 
• Matched coil solutions for enhanced reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performance 

Are Dry Change Air Conditioning Unit legal to install? 

Definitely. There are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, with the stipulation that it is repairing an existing air conditioning system. 

Is there a warranty that comes with it? 

The majority of manufacturers honor a standard 5-year parts warranty on dry charge units. While this affords industry standard protection on the components it does not provide protection against R-22 refrigerant prices, which are expected to increase substantially. 

Is R-22 refrigerant going to get really expensive? 

It is likely that as a result of supply and demand, R-22 refrigerant will become more expensive. As the phase out process of R22 continues, new R-22 refrigerant production will gradually be reduced, with full elimination of its production in 2020. Until that date, indications are that there will likely be sufficient supply to meet the current demand. 

If you have more questions about refrigerant, we encourage you to contact A1 Chesney Service Experts for clarification.