Last summer we told you about the R22 phase out and with cooling season approaching, Stevenson Service Experts wanted to remind you of your choices.
RECAP:
If you have air conditioning equipment installed earlier than 2010, it likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what causes the air coming from your air conditioner to be 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.
Launching in 2010, the production and import of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will essentially no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer produced in North America.
You can get recycled R22 now for existing air conditioning systems that use this particular refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is rising because of the dropping supply, and will not be obtainable for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your air conditioner was produced after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably won’t apply to you. However, if your AC equipment was made before January 2010, you have a few options:
1) Purchase an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which uses the approved air conditioner refrigerant.
2) Call a professional to replace the parts in your current air conditioner to help make it compatible with approved A/C refrigerant. Understand, though, this is not recommended because it could nullify 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 hassle of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to stress about the increasing costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to help the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Stevenson Service Experts today and we’ll come out and provide you a no-charge in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, just in time for spring!