Most homeowners with air conditioning systems older than a few years likely will be affected by the R-22 refrigerant phaseout. In 2010, the phaseout began in full force, as virgin R-22 refrigerant was no longer allowed in newly manufactured equipment. By 2020, R-22 refrigerant may not be available at all, other than in recycled form.
In its place, air conditioning manufacturers are using R-410A refrigerant, also called Puron. This eco-friendlier alternative does not contain chlorine, a chemical known for depleting the ozone. The highest-efficiency equipment today operates with R-410A refrigerant, an option that offers good news for the environment as well as your wallet.
Here’s more of what you need to know about the in-progress R-22 refrigerant phaseout.
Refrigerant availability and cost
R-22 refrigerant is still permitted in existing equipment, meaning you are not required to replace your air conditioner if it uses R-22. However, the R-22 refrigerant phaseout is making this old formula harder and harder to come by. That means if your older A/C equipment develops a refrigerant leak, a once quick and inexpensive fix could now cost hundreds of dollars.
System matching
Older equipment is designed to run on R-22 refrigerant. If you attempt to charge the system with R-410A refrigerant, which is meant to operate under higher pressures, it could compromise system performance, lead to an uncomfortable interior, and cause premature system failure.
In addition, if your outdoor equipment needs to be replaced before the indoor equipment does, both components must be designed to run on the same type of refrigerant. This means you might need to replace the whole system to ensure compatibility and proper function.
Installation and servicing
The R-22 refrigerant phaseout is encouraging more homeowners to replace their equipment sooner rather than later. In order to get the most from your investment, plan to hire a qualified contractor to install the equipment skillfully, and conduct professional repairs and tune-ups in the years to come. This helps ensure your equipment performs at the highest level of efficiency possible.
To learn more about how the R-22 refrigerant phaseout affects you, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning today. We serve homeowners in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about R-22 and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area