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R-22: The Forbidden Refrigerant

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R-22: The Forbidden Refrigerant

 

The US government has recently implemented a policy banning the use of the previously standard R-22 Refrigerant (or “Freon”). Refrigerant is a substance that removes heat and circulates within heat pumps and air conditioners. Research has found that this specific type of refrigerant has played a large part in global warming and in depleting the planet’s ozone layer.

Financial Impact

Starting in the first day of 2020, all production of the R-22 refrigerant must, by law, be terminated. In preparation for that date, the production of devices that use R-22 has already been halted, and R-22 supplies are expected to slow down gradually as well. While the product availability decreases, the price increases. Even in 2012, there is already a clear rise in the price of systems that use R-22, and it is expected to continue to increase. If you need to purchase any new HVAC systems, it is actually more cost effective to upgrade to latest technology which uses the safer R410A refrigerant. Likewise, if you already own an R-22 system, it might make sense to upgrade it now rather than attempt to run and regularly service an expensive, discontinued system.

Current R-22 Systems

R-22 can be recharged by NATE-certified technicians, but upgrading your system is the best choice economical and environmentally.At the present time, there is no specific EPA requirement concerning the servicing of R-22 air conditioning units still in use. R-22 refrigerant still works perfectly well, despite its detrimental effects on the environment. If a heat pump or air conditioning system should develop a leak or be in need of a service, it can still be safely and legally charged up with the old R-22 refrigerant.

Keep in mind that your R-22 system can also be recharged and serviced using substitute refrigerants, but only a NATE-Certified technician will be properly qualified to carry out such work. These personnel will have the EPA certificate necessary to carry out air conditioning repair work. As a part of the NATE certification, a qualified air conditioning technician will also have obtained the necessary certification for the handling of refrigerant. At Heritage, all of our technicians are NATE certified, so you can trust that they have the skill to provide you with the highest quality service.

Upgrading Your System

If you have bought a new heat pump or central air conditioning system, ductless or central, since the start of 2010, it’s more likely that it will be using R410A, which is in line with environmental standards and will eventually replace R-22. If your system is older and nearing need of replacement, we suggest upgrading to a unit with R410A, because otherwise you may be stuck with a discontinued system come 2020. Doing so will be both an environmental and financial investment.

If you are concerned about damaging the environment or about the rising costs of R-22, you don’t have to wait until 2020 to make a change. We make it easy to schedule service online or Just Call Heritage to fight global warming and upgrade your heating or cooling system today!

 


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