What’s an Air Conditioning Dry Charge?

Over the past 10 years, both the U.S. and Canadian governments have directed that all manufacturers of air conditioning equipment stop production of the refrigerant R-22 (Freon) or Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These refrigerants have been typically used in air conditioners and heat pumps for the last several decades. These mandates are suppose to have the HVAC industry shift to a more green friendly refrigerant with a technical code R410A. R410A has been shown 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 then your local HVAC contractor (such as Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts) can charge the unit with R22. R22 is still legal for AC repair or service for a few more years. The intent for these Dry Charged Units is to offer the greater Windsor area a more simple and affordable replacement option for central air conditioners and heat pumps. However, these units also circumvent the spirit of the mandates, which was to wean the industry off less eco-friendly refrigerants. 

Windsor homeowners should understand that these Dry Charged Units are permitted in the U.S. and Canada. Because of the lack of clarity regarding the definition of an outdoor unit in the rules, the entire outdoor unit is technically looked upon as a replacement “part”. These days, condensers or heat pumps intended for use in a replacement R-22 system are usually referred to as “Dry Charge” or “Nitrogen Charged” systems. The following are some Frequently Asked Questions about this recent A/C Dry Charge trend. 

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

It depends on a number of things. The most important thing to do is understand what types of HVAC equipment the heating and air conditioning industry has to offer 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. 

Top reasons for buying an R-410A system 

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

• Greater energy efficiency for comfort at a cost savings 
• Province-of-the-art technology to reduce humidity 
• Current production refrigerant solutions allowing longer life and extended availability of refrigerant 

• Extended warranty periods for more peace of mind 
• Quieter operation for a more peaceful indoor environment 
• Earth friendly refrigerant for lower impact on the environment 
• Matched coil solutions for enhanced reliability and guaranteed cooling and heating performance 

Is it legal to install Dry Charge units? 

Absolutely. There are no Federal laws or legal restriction on the installation of R-22 or Dry Charge Equipment, however, it can only be used as a repair to an existing system. 

What about the warranty? 

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

Is R-22 refrigerant going to get really expensive? 

It is likely that as a result of supply and demand, the answer to this question is “yes – we do anticipate R-22 refrigerant to get pricey”. 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 time however, 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 Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for clarification.