R-22 AC units on insurance claim

[Wade Sikkink]

We have a building with the AC units on the roof (14 of them).  We are working on an insurance claim related to a hail storm that damaged the roof and the AC units.

Our HVAC guy bid to replace the units with new R-410A units, which will require replacing the coils and lines also.  Price tag, about $35k

The insurance company's inspector put in his estimate to replace the damaged units with R-22 units.  Price tag, about $16k

I did a little looking and found that R-22 has been outlawed for new installations, however, there is this loop hole for "dry charge" units.  Everything online seems to recommend not replacing with R-22 units because parts availability and the availability of the refrigerant will only get worse.  The 20 grand difference in cost is what's driving the insurance company's position.

Anyone have experience with this question relative to an insurance claim?  The smart thing to do is replace with R-410A units.  Am I likely to get anywhere by pushing back on the insurance company based on R-22 being outlawed for new installations?

Thanks in advance for your collective wisdom.

[Derek Lacy]

Check with your agent or broker on you "ordinance and law" coverage. That may pay for the upgrade to the new legal units. Of course you have to have the coverage to be covered.