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What you need to know about the R22 Phaseout

r22 phaseout

What you need to know about the R22 Phaseout

SERVING AREAS OF BRISTOL, JOHNSON CITY, AND KINGSPORT TN

Manufacturers often produce products that work using various chemicals and substances that have unknown long-term effects. Unfortunately, the heating and cooling industry discovered adverse effects with respect to the air conditioning refrigerant R22, or also known as Freon. It was introduced in the 1950s and became the leading refrigerant in the industry. Most air conditioning units that were installed prior to 2010 are more likely to use R22 as the coolant in the system.

The Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) has enacted a law that will phase out R22 by 2020. Find out what this means for you and your HVAC unit, and how Thompson Electrical Service can help.

Montreal Protocol

When it was discovered that R22 refrigerant was depleting the ozone layer, the EPA entered an international agreement called the Montreal Protocol along with other agencies and worldwide groups. The Montreal Protocol was an agreement that certain ozone-depleting products would be phased out of production. On the list, along with many other products like HCFCs and CFCs (other products that deplete the ozone layer), R22 is believed to cause the most damage to the ozone layer.

Timeline and Phase Out Progress

Phasing out production and importing of R22 began in 2003 and was prohibited by the beginning of 2010. However, there are still units that use R22. In order to comply with the law and still service the units that use R22, the sale of the compound can only be made to a certified technician. Gradually, the production and import of R22 will be reduced by law until completely phased out in 2020. The only R22 refrigerant allowed by law will be recycled R22 to service the remaining R22 dependent units. This could mean that R22 becomes more scarce and more expensive. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your old unit.

How does this affect me and my unit?

First, the basic rule of supply and demand will come into play during the phasing out of R22. As the supply slowly dwindles, the price for a cylinder will greatly increase, potentially causing it to become unaffordable for most homeowners eventually.

Second, if you own a unit that was built before 2010 and are uncertain if it uses R22, the nameplate on the unit will provide the information. If the nameplate is missing or unreadable, call Thompson Electrical Service in the Bristol, Johnson City, or Kingsport areas to have a certified technician review your unit.

What options are available if my heating and air unit use R22?

Once you have found out if your unit uses R22, your technician can help explain your options in more detail. However, the basic options are as follows:

  1. Purchase a new air conditioning system with an approved refrigerant

You are not required by law to purchase a new air conditioning unit for your home. However, over time, your unit will begin to break down from normal wear and tear. If the unit is over 10 years of age and uses R22 refrigerant, it is recommended to purchase a new unit rather than refill the coolant with recycled R22 that often is quite pricey.

  1. Replace the parts in your current unit to create compatibility with an approved refrigerant

Although replacing the parts in your current unit can seem like a less expensive option, it is not recommended to replace the coolant parts. If your unit still has a valid manufacturer warranty, when you change any parts to non-approved parts, it could void the warranty. Also, there is no guarantee that the unit will run properly after the parts have been changed.

  1. Continue using costly recycled R22

As the production and imports of R22 begin to slow down and will end in 2020, the price of R22, even if it is recycled, will continue to rise due to its scarcity. The rising cost of R22 and the expense of servicing units that use this refrigerant could potentially equal the down payment on a new system.

What should I do if I think that I will be affected by this phaseout?

Thompson Electrical Service understands the stress and frustration that comes with heating and air units. Our qualified technicians can help you understand your situation and provide possible solutions. Avoid the rush and start planning today by calling Thompson Electrical Service at (423) 343-5726 to have a certified HVAC technician come to your home in the Bristol, Johnson City, or Kingsport area for an assessment of your heating and air conditioning unit.

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