Last summer we told you about the R22 phase out and with warmer temperatures approaching, McKinley Heating Service Experts wanted to remind you of your options.
RECAP:
If you have an air conditioning system installed prior to 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what keeps the air coming from your air conditioner cool and comfy. The United States EPA began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was contributing to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
Starting in 2010, the making and importing of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will basically no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer made in North America.
You can obtain recycled R22 now for existing air conditioning systems that use this particular refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is increasing because of the reducing supply, and will not be accessible for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your air conditioning system was made after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably won’t affect you. However, if your air conditioner was produced before January 2010, you have a couple options:
1) Invest in an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which requires the approved AC refrigerant.
2) Call an HVAC company to replace the parts in your current AC equipment to help make it compatible with approved A/C refrigerant. However, this is not recommended because it could void your warranty(ies).
3) Continue to use recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to stress about the trouble 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 improve the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call McKinley Heating Service Experts today and we’ll come out and provide you a free in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, just in time for spring!