As the summer heat comes, here’s what contractor’s aren’t telling you about Freon. As of Jan. 1 2020, no production or import of R22 is allowed in the US. Due to the R22 Phase Out, R22 cost is up over 500%, which means R22 repairs can cost up to 5x more.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save significantly on your energy bills by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.” When all the R22 is gone, home owners will not be able to repair their R22 system and will be forced to change the system or be left without AC. We believe a new air conditioning system that costs less to run and less to maintain is the right choice to keep our clients comfortable for years to come.
What Is R-22 Refrigerant?
As per Wikipedia, it is commonly used as a refrigerant. These applications are being phased out in developed countries due to the compound’s ozone depletion potential (ODP) and high global warming potential (GWP), although global use of R-22 continues to increase because of high demand in developing countries.
Air conditioning units commonly use R-22 as a refrigerant. Although it is often called Freon, that is actually the brand name- just like how people refer to Coke as a soda. As a refrigerant, R-22 has proven to be very useful, however it comes with a big drawback: it is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon. HCFC refrigerants leak and vent out of air conditioning systems, adding to the depletion of ozone because of the chlorine molecules in them.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated a phase-out of all R-22 due to good alternatives that don’t contain the chlorine molecule linked to Ozone Depletion.
R-22 is no longer imported or produced since 2020
R-22 is completely banned as of January 1, 2020, as part of the phaseout. It is NOT illegal to own an air conditioning system that uses R-22. It is only illegal to make or import it. Existing supplies of R-22 will still be on hand. Air Conditioning systems will continue to be repaired or replaced so that R-22 can be reclaimed, cleaned, and sold back to distributors for reuse in other air conditioning systems.
Reclaimed R-22 will be available as long as the relaxation process continues. It is not a permanent solution, but it offers some quick fixes. With declining supplies of R-22, it’s expected that prices will rise. HCFC-22 can only be recycled, reclaimed, or produced previously to 2020.
Is the R-22 ban a concern for you?
You probably will not be affected if you have an AC unit that was produced after 2010. AC units designed after 2010 will use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants, such as R-410a. Check the nameplate on your outdoor condenser unit to see what type of refrigerant your air conditioner uses.
For older units manufactured prior to 2010, it is best to replace them with new energy-efficient units that do not harm the ozone.
Replacing Your AC
It is important to educate homeowners about the ban on R-22. The AC unit should be replaced especially if the R-22 is leaking or low.
In addition to saving money on energy bills, replacing your heating and cooling system offers environmental benefits and a long warranty.
New air conditioners are no longer available with R-22. Several new energy-efficient technologies are available. Invest in a new air conditioner if your air conditioner has been in operation for more than 10 years.SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the air conditioning system’s efficiency. An energy-efficient home has a higher SEER rating. It must be properly installed by an HVAC contractor to achieve the manufacturer’s SEER rating. Find out what you need to know before replacing an air conditioner.
Replacing refrigerants with acceptable alternatives
The EPA reviews the health and environmental risks associated with substitute refrigerants, such as their potential to deplete ozone, their global warming potential, flammability, and their toxicity. R-410A is the most commonly used alternative refrigerant to R-22, available under several brand names, like GENTRON AZ-20®, SUVA® 410A, and PURON®.
Final thoughts
Service on R-22 equipment continues to be available, but prices may increase.
Consider an R22 replacement and hire reliable, certified HVAC technicians to get the job done right. For more information about the Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS), visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.
