If you’re a homeowner or business owner in Carrollton, Texas, chances are you rely heavily on your HVAC system to keep your indoor space comfortable year-round. However, if your HVAC unit is still using Freon refrigerant, it’s time to start considering a replacement. As the world moves towards more environmentally-friendly solutions, Freon is being phased out due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. In this blog, when you should replace HVAC units that use Freon refrigerant and how the Carrollton AC repair technicians at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating can help you make the transition to a more efficient and eco-friendly system.
What is Freon?
Freon is a refrigerant used in air conditioning units made up of non-combustible gas. Freon is the trademarked name for the R-22 refrigerant used in older AC units, including central air and mini-split air conditioning systems. The Freon is circulated inside the air conditioning unit to cool the home.
Since HVAC units operate on closed systems, you don’t run out of Freon during this process. The Freon levels will only be diminished if there is a refrigerant leak. If you suspect that you have a leak in the refrigerant line, call an experienced Wylie HVAC technician from Lex Air to inspect your air conditioning units. The sooner you catch a Freon leak, the better since it’s been determined that it is bad for the ozone layer.
Dangers of Freon Usage
After years of use, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided Freon is a dangerous chemical that is unsafe for the environment due to its ozone-depleting properties. The ozone layer protects us from destructive ultraviolet rays that can cause cancer, so as it diminishes, our cancer risk increases. While there is no law prohibiting the use of a Freon-based air conditioner, the dangers the chemical contributes to global warming are still present if a leak develops in the line. It’s essential to call a licensed HVAC technician as soon as you suspect that you have a Freon leak since it’s not an environmentally friendly chemical.
What Should I Do If My AC Uses R-22 Freon?
Don’t panic if your air conditioning system still uses Freon. As long as your air conditioner works, you don’t have to replace it yet, although you might want to start looking into a replacement air conditioning system. Since air conditioning systems that use Freon haven’t been made in a while, your air conditioner might already be on its last leg.
If your air conditioning unit is still working, you will want to call an experienced technician to perform a routine service call on your air conditioners to check the refrigerant level, which can prevent leaks. Since Freon production has ceased, it is much harder to repair a unit with a Freon leak and more expensive.
Replacement Versus Repairing Your HVAC System
It might be worth looking into replacing your air conditioner since Freon is hard to find and expensive. To repair your air conditioning units that use Freon, you will need to find a technician with access to recycled Freon refrigerant. Since Freon supplies are diminishing, this option is not a more cost-effective one.
Another option besides replacing your air conditioner is having it retrofitted to use a new refrigerant. Since all air conditioners are manufactured specifically for a type of refrigerant, you can’t just use a replacement refrigerant, which is why retrofitting older systems is a repair option. Unfortunately, this option is also not cost-effective.
If your unit is older and leaks, the best option is to replace it. Since the unit is likely older and will need to be replaced eventually, you might want to look into a new air conditioning unit. Instead of paying a lot of money to fix the problem temporarily, you could spend that money on a new unit that uses more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Not only is replacing your AC units better for the environment, but it can also save you money and be more energy efficient. If it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit, call our experienced Euless AC installation technicians at Lex Air today.
Freon Phase Out
In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency banned all air conditioner manufacturers from producing and importing Freon, except for servicing existing Freon-based HVAC units. The manufacturing and installation of new Freon AC or heat pumps were also banned. Due to the Freon ban, air conditioner manufacturers redesigned their systems to accommodate R 410A, a chlorine-free refrigerant. If your AC system were installed prior to 2010, it would most likely use Freon. Since the life span of AC units is 10-15 years, it might be best to consider replacing your AC unit when you start to see signs of problems.
HVAC Unit Still Utilizing Freon? Call Lex Air Conditioning & Heating Today to Learn More About Your Options
If your air conditioning unit is still using Freon, call the experts at Lex Air to weigh your options regarding replacing or repairing your Freon-based HVAC system. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re worried your Freon-based AC system is not working because you’re afraid of the cost. Our HVAC technicians will evaluate your older AC unit and provide you with the best, safest, and most affordable options. Call us at (972) 217-8955 or contact us online to schedule a service call with one of our friendly Haltom City HVAC technicians today.
