If you’re not an HVAC professional, the news that one of the most common and popular air conditioner refrigerants on the market is being phased out may have passed you by. R-22, the refrigerant used in many air conditioners, is in the process of being phased out and replaced by a more environmentally sound choice, R-410a. While this may seem like unimportant news on the surface, this change could actually affect you and your home.
Starting in 2020, any air conditioner or heating systems relying on R-22 refrigerant will be restricted in terms of what they can use, with all R-22 being exclusively reclaimed or recycled. This will almost certainly cause services requiring refrigerant to become much more expensive.
While the Environmental Protection Agency does not currently require homeowners to convert or change R-22 refrigerant-reliant systems, you may still want to consider upgrading to an EPA-compliant system. Whether you’re looking to do your part in terms of taking care of the environment or simply looking for a more cost-effective way to control the temperature of your home, an air conditioner replacement may be the best solution. As the availability of R-22 drops, the price will undoubtedly skyrocket.
A licensed HVAC professional in your area will still be able to service an air conditioner that uses R-22, even as the price of the substance rises. Speaking with your HVAC professional to discuss your options regarding upgrades and how the phaseout of R-22 will affect you can give you the details you need to make an informed, wise decision.
