The R22 refrigerant phase-out is not a surprise. The decision to phase out HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) was made a long time ago. The Environmental Protection Agency established a phaseout timeline with R22 no longer being produced or imported as of January 1, 2020. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner or heat pump system that relies on R22 is permitted.
What is R-22?
R-22 is more commonly known as Freon. It’s an air conditioning refrigerant, a substance used for cooling in air conditioners, that was commonly used in residential air conditioner units and business air conditioning units.
When R-22 is enclosed in your HVAC system, it isn’t dangerous to your family or home. If the system experiences a leak, however, the refrigerant is not just harmful but will also be quite costly to replace.
Why is R-22 Being Phased Out?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided that after years of use, R22 refrigerant is a dangerous chemical that is unsafe for the environment because of the fact that it’s an ozone-depleting substance. While there is no law that can prohibit the use of an R22-based air conditioner, the dangers of the chemical contributing to global warming are still present if the line develops a leak. Calling a licensed professional is essential as soon as you suspect there is a leak since the chemical is not environmentally friendly.
R22 is classified as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant because of its ozone depletion potential and global warming potential. All HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances that are subject to phase-out according to the Montreal Protocol and U.S. Clean Air Act.
Is My HVAC Unit Still Using R-22 Freon?
Most air conditioning units that were manufactured before 2010 use R-22 as a refrigerant, but you should check to be sure. The ways that you can verify whether your HVAC uses Freon 22 include:
- Read the owner’s manual
- Look at the unit
- Ask a Mansfield HVAC technician
Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner if it Still Uses Freon?
There are a few options to consider if your home has an air conditioning system that uses R-22.
Pay the R22 Refrigerant Price
Firstly, you have the option to pay the high repair bill. The amount that you pay will depend on the availability of R-22 your Haltom City HVAC technician has and the nationwide supply of the refrigerant.
Replace Your HVAC System
Of course, no homeowner wants to face a complete HVAC system replacement; however, it does offer a better long-term solution than continuously paying for expensive repair costs. As R22 access becomes more limited, your repair bill may be the same or more expensive than a system replacement.
You should ask your Rowlett HVAC technician about the cost of a replacement vs. a repair. If you have a system that is more than 10 years old and repair costs are close to a third of the cost of a new one, it may be time for a new HVAC system. Your HVAC technician may warn against the use of an R22 refrigerant replacement as a quick fix. The chemicals in the replacement refrigerants have a likelihood of destroying the internal components of a compressor quickly.
Retrofit Your Current Unit
The last, very costly option is to have your current HVAC system retrofitted to use a different refrigerant. The price of having the primary components of your current system replaced with newer parts is comparable to a system replacement. Additionally, if the work is not completed properly, it could void the warranty of your current system.
How Will This Affect Me?
If your current air conditioning system uses R22, don’t stress! As long as your air conditioner works properly, you don’t have to worry about replacing it with a new air conditioner just yet. Although you may want to start looking into a replacement since air conditioners that use R22 haven’t been made since 2010, your air conditioner may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
If your air conditioner is still functioning, you should call an experienced Argyle HVAC technician to perform routine maintenance on your air conditioner to check the refrigerant level, which can prevent leaks.
To Learn More About the R-22 Phaseout, Call the Experienced Carrollton HVAC Technicians at Lex Air Today
If your air conditioner is still using R22 refrigerant, call the HVAC experts at Lex Air Conditioning and Heating to learn more about your options regarding replacing or repairing your R22 refrigerant-based system. If you’re worried about your AC system not working properly, don’t hesitate to give us a call because you’re afraid of the expense. Our technicians will evaluate your current AC unit and provide the best, safest, and most affordable solution. Call us at (972) 217-8955 or contact us online to schedule a service with one of our expert technicians in Carrollton today.
