Q. WHAT DOES THE PHASE OUT OF R-22 FREON MEAN TO ME?
The short answer: HVAC contractors must pay nearly 3 times what they did just a few years ago for R-22 Freon. That means it will cost you more…hundreds of dollars…to charge your unit if it’s leaking! With R-22 Freon is on its way out, the price will continue to go up as the supply goes down. Replacing your old unit may be the most cost-effective solution.
Q. WHAT IS REFRIGERANT AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
This is a cooling agent that is contained within the coils of an air conditioner. During the refrigeration cycle, it changes states to provide cooling. For years the most common refrigerant used in air-conditioning systems was R-22 (brand name Freon).
Q. WHY IS R-22 FREON BEING PHASED OUT?
The chemicals in R-22, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), destroy the ozone layer. The Clean Air Act calls for the phase out of R-22 as part of a global effort to protect the earth’s ozone layer.
Q. DOES MY AIR CONDITIONER USE R-22 FREON?
If your system was produced after 2010, it does not use R-22. (The EPA banned R-22 in new systems on January 1, 2010.) Systems manufactured between 1996 and 2010, it may use R-22. If the system was manufactured before 1996 it uses R-22.
Q. I DON’T KNOW WHEN MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS MANUFACTURED. HOW DO I FIND OUT?
Check the unit’s nameplate. It’s usually on the outdoor unit. If there is no nameplate, check your owner’s manual or contact your HVAC service provider. If you know the make and model, you can call the manufacturer or check their website.
Q. WHAT IS THE R-22 PHASE OUT TIMELINE?
January 1, 2010 – New systems cannot use R-22. It can be produced in limited quantities, however, to service systems manufactured before this date.
January 1, 2020 – R-22 production stops entirely. The only way to service an existing system will be with recycled or stockpiled R-22.
Q. DO I HAVE TO REPLACE MY R-22 AIR CONDITIONER?
No, but keep in mind that adding Freon to a leaking system will only get more expensive as the supply of R-22 drops. Replacing may the best solution in the long run.
Q. WHAT CAN I DO NOW TO BE PROACTIVE?
Maintain your system properly and safeguard against leaks! It’s important that an EPA-certified technician locate and repair leaks instead of just “topping it off”.
If your system uses R-22, consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency, energy-saving unit that meets the new standard. You’ll enjoy the new features and won’t have to worry about a breakdown.
Q. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Call Assured Comfort at 770-942-1938 and ask to speak to Service Manager Ian Eldredge or check out epa.gov/ods-phaseout.
Author: Jerry Hall
Company: Assured Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing
www.AssuredComfort.com
About Assured Comfort Heating, Air & Plumbing:
Assured Comfort Heating, Air, Plumbing is a leading heating, air conditioning and plumbing company with locations in Fulton County, Cobb County and Douglas County that services the metro Atlanta and surrounding cities.
Family-owned since 2002, Assured Comfort is committed to providing not only the best in HVAC and plumbing services, but also supporting the local community. Our team abides by the following principles:
- Helping people to live in greater safety and comfort.
- Giving back to the community.
- Safety first.
- Delivering WOW service.
- Being a great place to work.
- We are members of the Cobb County, Douglas County and Paulding County Chambers of Commerce.
Jerry Hall, owner of Assured Comfort, is a member of both the Douglas County and Cobb County Chamber Chairman’s Clubs.
Jerry also serves on the board of the Douglas County Public Education Trust. Every year, Assured Comfort sponsors the Fox Hall Family Festival in Douglas County, which is the largest fundraiser for Douglas County schools.
Email: jerry@assuredcomfort.com
Phone: 404-348-7522
