Nu-Calgon markets and distributes a complete line of specialty chemical products for the air conditioning, refrigeration aftermarket as well as the plumbing, heating and food service/restaurant supply markets. These include coil cleaners, descalers, and refrigeration oils as well as products for water treatment, ice machine maintenance, and other specialty applications. These products are marketed to air conditioning, refrigeration and heating wholesalers as well as plumbing wholesalers, food service/restaurant suppliers and OEM's.
I was extremely skeptical of products like this for over 20 years, then in 2013 Copeland changed an anti corrosion additive in their compressors, and it reacted poorly with other system lubricants, and caused an industry wide problem with sludge build-up in TXVs. Many equipment manufacturers distributors started handing out AC Renew as the "fix" for the problem, and in cases where the TXV was still at least partially operable, the AC Renew worked! It has made me have to reassess my feelings on system additives in general, and AC Renew in particular.
I was skeptical if this product really lived up to its claims as I've heard techs refer to additives such as this and leak stop treatments as "snake oil." I added it to my own condenser at home back when it was called Zerol Ice, and it made a believer out of me! It resulted in about a 500 watt reduction in compressor power consumption. In other words, my system was about 15% more energy efficient, saving me more than 5 cents for every hour of runtime. My condenser was one we had installed for a customer, but we replaced it again due to his complaints that the scroll compressor was too excessively loud, especially at start-up. I had no way to test the decibal levels, but the Zerol Ice (Re-New) seemed to quiet it a little bit as well, although it always remained louder than normal. Even though the noise reduction wasn't life-changing, I was absolutely satisfied with just the increase in efficiency. Most people's energy savings would help them recoup the couple hundred dollars or so companies charge to add this within the first year, after which this simple one-time addition would offset the cost of professional maintenance twice each year. By my logic, such a substantial improvement in system lubrication and compressor efficiency would surely also decrease wear and tear, increasing total lifespan. I've recommended this ever since I saw the results for myself, and have now read that it is the manufacturer prescribed remedy for the defective TXVs that have been coming pre-installed in new systems. Apparently it often gets the TXV working properly, and prevents the need to waste the 4 to 6 hours replacing them under warranty. I wish I knew that years ago, it would've saved us thousands of dollars in labor costs to pay for warranty TXV replacements. I have not been asked to write this product review, and I have not received nor do I expect to receive compensation for it. I just believe in spreading the good word when products and/or services perform exceptionally and are worth their cost. If even just a couple people who read this add A/C Re-New to their air conditioner and save money by decreasing their energy consumption it will decrease pollution and hopefully they'll continue spreading the word. Any A/C guys out there who are STILL skeptical, try it and see for yourself that it delivers on their claims. What do you have to lose, half an hour and 50 bucks? Small price to pay for a couple hundred dollars a year in savings, not to mention increasing your compressor's reliability and lifespan. Just think, if us technicians try it and then recommend it to our customers we could take millions of kWhs worth of carbon out of the air we breathe! Let's do it!
Have you guys tested this with small systems where the Capillary tube has been restricted by buildup? The scenario I see often is a neglected R134A system (beverage cooler or sandwich prep table) with clogged condenser fins which causes the compressor to overheat and the oil breaks down plugging off the capillary tube. I normally change the compressor and change the capillary tube, then all is well again... Can I skip changing the capillary tube and pour some a/c re-new in to clear up the partially blocked capillary tube?
We do not have specific test data on A/C Re~New versus a plugged fixed orifice such as a restricted Capillary tube. It is possible for the product to react with the buildup, but our sense is that it could be difficult or time-sensitive due to the lack of transient flow (flow through) of the refrigerant/oil fluid that carries the product. One other important consideration is the appropriate charge of A/C Re~New in a small system like a beverage cooler/merchandiser or prep table. Given their small size, the appropriate amount of A/C Re~New should be 10% of oil volume, or 1.0 fl. oz. or fraction thereof per 12,000 Btu.
1NuCalgon I'm hearing some people tell me that this stuff not only makes compressors quieter, but may also prolong their life, and has also been known to help sticky or worn out TXVs return to normal operation, is this true as well?
Use of A/C Re-New wil not impair that function, it will not remove the lubricant needed on those surfaces in reversing valves. A/C Re-New is lubricant-based and will support the operation of the reversing valve. What it will do is enable an operating system to have less oil logging or layering throughout the system, particularly in line sets. It enhances oil return to the compressor and this can be seen via moderate improvement in heat transfer in the coils, particularly the evaporator coil.
My only concern with this product, is that there is supposed to be some oil coating reversing valves in heat pumps, in order for the valve to be properly lubricated and functioning. Will AC Renew remove reversing valve oil coatings and cause the reversing valve to act strange?
@razer401 In regard whether A/C Re-New might cause a sludge effect in TXV’s & cap tubes, the answer is no. The product is lubricant-based & completely miscible & soluble with all industry refrig. oils & refrigerants. In low temp apps with HFC refrigerants, we have an "XLT" formula. The technology has been used in our industry since 2003, & in the automotive a/c market longer than that. Its primary benefits seen every day in a/cs are lowered starting amps & running amps & quieter operation.
