R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant that is often used in air-conditioning equipment. To protect the Earth’s protective ozone layer, the United States is phasing out R-22, along with other chemicals.
To protect the Earth’s protective ozone layer, the United States is phasing out R-22, along with other chemicals.
As the United States phases out refrigerant R-22, you will want to make informed choices when servicing, repairing, or replacing an existing air-conditioning unit or when purchasing a new unit. EPA has banned the manufacture of new equipment that contains R-22. As a homeowner, you need to consider and balance several key factors in your decision to purchase a new unit, such as energy efficiency, performance, reliability, cost, and the refrigerant used. The phaseout of R-22 is causing an increase in cost on the dwindling supply. If you have an A/C unit that uses R-22, you’ll be facing rising costs.
Phaseout of R-22 | What Should You Do?
You may continue to have your equipment containing R-22 serviced. The most important thing you can do is to maintain your unit properly. Appropriate servicing minimizes potential environmental damage and maintenance costs.
EPA has prohibited the manufacture of new air-conditioning systems that use R-22. Systems that use alternative refrigerants that do not harm the ozone layer are available and will become more common.
New energy efficient air conditioners save energy costs. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save significantly on your energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
The most common alternative to R-22 is R-410A, a non-ozone-depleting HFC refrigerant blend. R-410A is manufactured and sold under various trade names, including GENTRON AZ-20®, SUVA® 410A, and PURON®. EPA reviews alternative refrigerants and maintains a list of acceptable substitutes for household and light commercial air conditioning.
The phaseout of R-22 is something homeowners should look at positively. It’s better for the environment and it will allow you to have a more energy friendly and cost friendly system in your household.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more info on this subject or any of your home maintenance questions.
