If your HVAC system is getting up in age, you may be interested in retrofitting it instead of overhauling it with an entirely new unit. There are some instances when we can retrofit your older system, but at other times a replacement is necessary.
You can keep reading to learn more about some ways that we can retrofit an existing HVAC system with newer components to keep it running for longer. If this is something that interests you, you can give us a call to schedule your in-home assessment for a retrofit HVAC system in Northbrook, IL.
Reasons to Retrofit an Older AC
One reason to retrofit an older AC is because it uses R-22 refrigerant, which has since been discontinued because of its negative impact on the environment. Since R-22 refrigerant isn’t in great supply any longer, it can be very expensive to recharge refrigerant levels in an older AC system.
If your AC is 15 years or older and has a refrigerant leak, it’s a good idea to go ahead and upgrade to a completely new system. That’s the recommendation that most HVAC contractors will have. But if you do want to retrofit your older system with newer refrigerant, we can help.
The other consideration you need to make is that ACs installed before 2006 may have significantly lower energy efficiency ratings. But we have good news. This is something else we can help with. When upgrading your older system with new refrigerant, we can also take steps to boost energy efficiency.
Steps for Retrofitting
First, we will have to assess all of the refrigerant lines in your existing AC to find and fix any leaks. We will also clean the coils thoroughly to ensure they can absorb heat effectively. Next, we need to flush out the refrigerant lines to get rid of any remaining R-22 refrigerant. We can add refrigerant that is up to code and better for the environment.
We’ll also clean and assess the rest of the system for damage. We can get rid of dirt and grime in between gears and other components. Then we can relubricate all of those parts. If there are other components that need to be replaced, we can take care of that, too.
ACs in Older Homes
If you have a much older home, especially a historic home, you may need to take extra steps to retrofit an older AC. Significantly older homes can’t usually handle newer AC units. We may need to upgrade electrical panels and install a newer AC from scratch. If there is an existing central AC, we can review the setup and outline your options for retrofitting the unit for better cooling capability.
If your older home doesn’t have the space for a whole-house HVAC system, a ductless unit is a great solution. We may have to review codes and guidelines related to older and historic homes to ensure we meet any associated regulations.
Contact Roberts Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today to schedule an appointment to retrofit your air conditioning as soon as possible.