Last summer we told you about the R22 phase out and with warmer temperatures approaching, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning wanted to remind you of your choices.
RECAP:
If you have an air conditioning system installed earlier than 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what keeps the air coming from your air conditioner cool and pleasant. The [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]9] began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was adding to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
Starting in 2010, the production and import of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will essentially no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer produced in North America.
You can get recycled R22 now for existing air conditioners that use this particular refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is increasing because of the dropping supply, and will not be available for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your air conditioner was produced after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably won’t apply to you. However, if your air conditioner was manufactured before January 2010, you have some options:
1) Buy an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which requires the approved AC refrigerant.
2) Call an expert to replace the parts in your current air conditioning system to help make it compatible with approved AC refrigerant. Understand, though, this is not recommended because it could invalidate your warranty(ies).
3) Stick with using recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to panic about the issue of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to stress about the soaring costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to love the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today and we’ll come out and provide you a free in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, just in time for spring!