Do it yourself Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

[ultrarunner]

Wondering if it is worth getting an EPA Cert 608 or 609 to buy refrigerant?

Anyone here maintain their own A/C or refrigeration equipment?

Seems the price for service is going through the roof... local contractors bill at $130 an hour plus travel plus truck charges anywhere from $35 to $75 a visit.

I remember helping charge automotive systems as a kid in the 1970's and a can of refrigerant cost 79 cents at the parts house.

I've installed several precharged home systems doing 99% of the work... just didn't have a vacuum pump to evacuate the line set.

 

[murphy1244]

I have both but never used 609

 

[Sigarms]

R22 is close to 5 times the cost of R410A right now...

Kicker is, R410A is going to be eliminated down the road as well. Go figure.

 

[ultrarunner]

My vendor charges $50 a pound for R22 plus labor.

Is getting the certificate really as simple as passing the multiple choice test online?

Is it worth getting the Universal designation?

 

[buckeyefarmer]

When I got the 608 it was online.

 

[kenmac]

My vendor charges $50 a pound for R22 plus labor.

Is getting the certificate really as simple as passing the multiple choice test online?

Is it worth getting the Universal designation?

I just installed a new system in my home last week. Of course, I do this for a living. I got a good deal on R22 last mo. but you have to buy a large amount (usually) to get a deal. May as well go for all 3 on the cert test. it doesn't cost anymore. When I took the test (many yrs ago) you take all 3. Best remember,, you must pass the core part of the exam and at least 1 ,2 or 3 to get a cert card. I took my exam at an HVAC supply house

Pass the exam, buy a vacuum pump, micron gauge, set of refrigerant gauges, hoses with low loss fittings and you're ready

 

[kenmac]

Kicker is, R410A is going to be eliminated down the road as well. Go figure.

So true , I should have installed a 407c unit (dry R22 unit) ( it;s my understanding this will be the replacement refrigerant for 410A) but I didn't.guess I,ll change it again

 

[murphy1244]

R22 is close to 5 times the cost of R410A right now...

Kicker is, R410A is going to be eliminated down the road as well. Go figure.

I don't like 410A anyway, the pressures are too high. Still have 5 jugs of 22

 

[kenmac]

I don't like 410A anyway, the pressures are too high. Still have 5 jugs of 22

What's a 100+ # here or there ??

 

[murphy1244]

What's a 100+ # here or there ??

I'm not too pleased to work with it I much prefer R22.