Do you guys comment on an AC system manufactured in 2002 that uses R-22?
I do not…but, I do comment on expected useful life.
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Yeah I say that the unit should be considered beyond its life expectancy and budgeting should be considered for replacement at any time, though the unit can last indefinitely with proper maintenance and age alone shouldn’t be the impetus for replacement.
Was just wondering if you guys mention what is entailed with converting the system…
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Certainly do. I think it is relevant. As well I note the manufacture, serial number and year of manufacturing.
As to FREON: R-22 (Freon) is being phased out due to its ozone-depleting effects. Production and import of R-22 were banned starting January 1, 2020, in Canada and the United States.
Goodman/Heil/IPC…Condenser model: xxx-xxx-xxx Age listed as manufactured in 19xx.
Operated efficiently when operated during the inspection. ><67 degrees at most forced air floor Registers.
I go on and on describing the physical appearance of everything observed.
Hope that helps.
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Considering that they do not make the stuff anymore and repair companies have to recover it from old units, they charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per pound to recharge your R-22 system. So, with about 4 lbs in a 2-ton AC, that is $200 to $600 just to refill the refrigerant in a small unit should anything go wrong. Yes, it is relevant. Also, an 2002 unit is 23 years old with a life expectancy of about 25 years. Your client had better be prepared financially to replace the unit in the next few years.
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That’s a pretty high #, compared to most that I see, including INachi
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Yep, around here, its 12-15.
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As with any system beyond it’s expected useful life, the the cost of repair or replace will likely be elevated. So feel free to go down that rabbit hole with your client but often I think we just overcomplicate things.
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I see 20+ year old AC units running fine all the time. But, rare if I see one older than 25 years old. I have run across exactly two that were 35+ year old. InterNACHI estimate of 7 to 15 is way off the mark in my experience.