Refrigerant is an important substance or mixture that can be used in the refrigeration cycle or heat pump. This substance usually comes in liquid form and it will be converted to a gas and vice versa. There are some common examples of chemicals for creating this mixture, for example, fluorocarbons (chlorofluorocarbons CFC or hydrochlorofluorocarbons HCFC), sulfur dioxide, ammonia, non-halogenated hydrocarbons (for example, propane), etc. This refrigerant is commonly used in many air conditioning systems. You need to replace this refrigerant in your HVAC system regularly, so you can maintain the performance of the air conditioning system in your home or office.
 
Many old AC systems are still using a common refrigerant called R-22. This is a special substance that can be found in many old cooling systems. This product is a standard in the HVAC industry because it can provide an excellent job in helping your HVAC system transfer the hot air from indoors to the outdoors. However, this product can cause some negative impacts on the environment. Because of this reason, the US government has implemented laws and regulations. These laws and regulations will limit the production or import of this type of refrigerant.

​The Price of the Refrigerant Keeps Increasing
 
This refrigerant is still available in the United States, even in Connecticut, but the price keeps increasing, sometimes significantly. The amount of this refrigerant is strictly limited by the government's laws and regulations. Also, the demand for this type of refrigerant is still high. When you are planning to recharge your HVAC system with R-22, you are going to spend sometimes more than $500. Larger systems usually require more refrigerant than the smaller ones. Therefore, you are going to pay a lot for refrigerant when you have some large HVAC units on your property.
 
R-22 is limited and banned in certain states in the United States. This substance can cause some harmful effects on the environment because it has some components that will destroy the ozone layer. Some negative components in this substance include chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC). When the ozone layer is damaged, the ultraviolet will enter the earth very easily. As a result, we are going to be more susceptible to radiation. Many experts believe that the limitation on these substances can reduce the destructive effects on the ozone layer.
 
Many companies are refraining from making this refrigerant anymore because of complicated rules and regulations from the government. This situation will lead to high demand and low supply. The cost is predicted to continue to skyrocket in the next couple of months. When your AC units need to be repaired during the peak season this year, you are going to expect to pay a high rate for this refrigerant. The peak season will be around this summer season.
 
Convert Your HVAC System to the New One
 
If you want to save a lot of money, you can consider replacing your HVAC units with new ones. When you purchase a new AC system, you can get an additional tax credit that can reduce the overall price of your AC unit. You can visit the official site of the ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America), especially when you want to know the total savings that you are going to get by buying new AC systems with an energy-efficient system.
 
Many new AC units will use up to 30 – 50% less energy than the old AC units. These units are going to use an eco-friendly refrigerant that is still affordable for most people. You can save a lot of your money when using your new AC unit. This unit will have less cooling energy costs than the old one. If you want to upgrade your AC system to a new one, you can always call us at Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc today!
 

Ben Uscilla started Highwood Mechanical Contractors with his brother John in March of 1994. The firm operates in Hamden, Connecticut, a suburb of New Haven. The area features several major medical facilities and educational institutions, including Yale University. Highwood offers a full-line of HVAC products to residential and light commercial clients, with a focus on installation.

ACHR NEWS: How did you and you brother end up in business together?
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Uscilla: Back in 1986, when I graduated high school...Read the full article on ACHR News here!

Finding a good furnace is very important to keep your home convenient and comfortable. The right furnace can keep you and your family comfortable, even throughout the winter seasons in Connecticut. There are a lot of furnace brands that are available on the market in 2020. Different brands may have their own unique features, benefits, and advantages for all users.
 
There are some important factors that you need to consider, especially when you compare the available furnaces for residential properties, for example, fuel source, energy efficiency, warranty, lifespan, etc. This article will show you some of the most popular furnaces that are available on the market.

American Standard is one of the most popular brands in the furnace industry. Most products from American Standard come with top-notch quality and come highly recommended. The average price of the furnace from this American can range from $2,400 to $4,400. They offer both gas and oil furnaces that are suitable for your home.
 
If you are looking for an efficient furnace, you can go for the Platinum 95 Gas Furnace. Some heating stages are offered by this device. It has up to 97.3% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating. All products from American Standard are guaranteed to last for a long time with minimum maintenance requirements.

When we are talking about the best furnace for your needs, you cannot forget this incredible brand. In the United States, this company manages three major brands of furnaces, including, Daikin (premium furnaces), Amana (mid-tier furnaces), and Goodman (affordable furnaces).
 
All furnaces from Daikin are engineered with a special heat exchanger that is constructed from strong tubular stainless steel. These furnaces can work perfectly in offering a warm environment for your home. Many people are interested in using Daikin furnaces because they are very efficient and intelligent.

York is one of the most popular HVAC brands that you can find on the market. This brand is very well-known for its efficient residential furnace units. These furnace units come with an efficient system and portable design. You can place any of these units in a small area without having any problems. Most residential furnaces from York are specially created for having reliable heating performance and also industry-leading efficiency levels.
 
You can save a lot of your money when using any of these furnaces from York. When you have some issues with these devices, you can call their specialized certified Comfort Experts from York company. They are ready to repair any damages on the furnaces from the York brand. The repair cost of any York furnaces can be very affordable for most clients. You don't need to spend a lot of your money when using any York furnaces.

​One of the most reputable furnace brands in the world is Trane. This brand is considered as one of the top heating and cooling specialist companies in the world. The company has been in this industry since the beginning of 1900. This company offers many different high-quality and efficient oil and gas furnaces for all homeowners.
 
These furnaces come with a quiet and reliable system, so you can feel comfortable in your house even on the cold days. One of the best furnace units from this brand is the XC95m Gas Furnace. This furnace has a high AFUE rating which can reach up to 97.3%. A Trane furnace has a price range that is around $1,800 to $6,000. The price depends on many factors, such as capacity, efficiency rating, performance, durability, etc. You can also get some special offers, tax credits, local rebates from your favorite dealer.

​Once you find the best furnace brand for yourself, you can consider finding the best furnace mechanic around you. Our company, Highwood Mechanical Contractors, Inc, is always ready to deliver the best and most efficient service for all customers. We can offer high-quality furnace recommendations that are suitable for your residential area. All of our products are covered by their company’s warranty, so you will never have to worry about service for years to come. When you have some issues or damages to your units, you can always call us at any time. Our experts can come to your place for a diagnosis or to fix any broken or damaged furnace units.