We told you last summer about the R22 phase out and with warmer temperatures approaching, Midland Air Service Experts wanted to remind you of your options.
RECAP:
If you have air conditioning equipment 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 [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]9] began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was contributing to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
Beginning in 2010, the production and import of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will pretty much no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer manufactured in North America.
You can obtain recycled R22 now for existing air conditioners that use this specific refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is rising because of the dropping supply, and will no longer be accessible for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your air conditioner was made after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably doesn’t apply to you. However, if your air conditioner was made before January 2010, you have a couple options:
1) Buy an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which can use the approved A/C refrigerant.
2) Call an HVAC company to replace the parts in your current air conditioning system to help make it compatible with approved air conditioner refrigerant. Understand, though, this is not recommended because it could invalidate your warranty(ies).
3) Stick with using recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to stress about the issue 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 love the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Midland Air Service Experts today and we’ll come out and provide you a free in-home estimate on a new air conditioning system, just in time for spring!