In 2016 we told you about the R22 phase out and with warmer temperatures approaching, Wesley Wood Service Experts wanted to remind you of your options.
RECAP:
If you have an AC system installed prior to 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what causes the air coming from your air conditioner to be cool and comfy. 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 basically no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer manufactured in North America.
You can obtain recycled R22 now for existing air conditioning systems that use this specific refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is going up because of the reducing supply, and won’t be available for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your air conditioning system was manufactured after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably doesn’t apply to you. However, if your AC equipment was manufactured before January 2010, you have a couple options:
1) Invest in an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which uses the approved air conditioner refrigerant.
2) Call a professional to replace the parts in your current air conditioning system to help make it compatible with approved A/C refrigerant. Understand, though, this is not recommended because it could void your warranty(ies).
3) Keep using recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to stress about the hassle of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to agonize about the rising costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to improve the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Wesley Wood Service Experts today and we’ll come out and provide you a no-charge in-home estimate on a new AC system, just in time for spring!