Air ConditioningQuincy, MAResidential

AC System Replacement

Project Overview

The R-22 refrigerant phase-out has put many homeowners in the position of having to decide between increasingly expensive repairs on an aging system and investing in a new, efficient replacement. For this Quincy homeowner, the math was clear: continuing to patch a 15-year-old system with expensive, scarce refrigerant made no financial sense.

The Trane XR16 was selected for its combination of efficiency, reliability, and value. At 16 SEER2, it is 60% more efficient than the old 10 SEER unit, which translates directly to lower monthly cooling costs. The system also runs quieter thanks to the Climatuff compressor and its sound-dampening base pan.

Smart thermostat integration was an important addition to this project. The Emerson Sensi allows the homeowner to monitor energy usage, set schedules, and adjust temperature remotely — features that maximize the efficiency gains from the new system. Over the first summer of operation, the homeowner reported cooling costs approximately 30% lower than the previous year.

The Challenge

The homeowner's 15-year-old air conditioning system used R-22 refrigerant, which has been phased out under EPA regulations. The system had developed a refrigerant leak that was slowly worsening each season. Recharging with R-22 had become prohibitively expensive — the last service call cost $450 just for refrigerant — and the leak would require $1,200 in repairs to fix properly. With an aging compressor, corroded condenser coils, and an evaporator coil approaching end of life, the total repair cost would exceed 60% of a new system's price. The unit's SEER rating of 10 was far below current minimum efficiency standards.

Our Solution

We replaced the entire outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil with a new Trane XR16 system rated at 16 SEER2. The new system uses R-410A refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly and readily available. We upgraded the refrigerant line set to accommodate the new refrigerant type and installed a new filter-drier to protect the compressor. The existing ductwork was inspected and found to be in good condition, so no modifications were needed. We installed an Emerson Sensi smart thermostat for Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduling, and energy usage tracking. The new system comes with a 10-year compressor warranty and a 10-year parts warranty registered through Trane.