R-22, the essential refrigerant for many air conditioning systems, is getting more difficult to find. R-22 is being phased out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This means that if you have an air conditioning unit that requires R-22 refrigerant, you’ll likely be paying a premium as the existing supply dwindles.
What is the R-22 refrigerant phaseout?
R-22, the refrigerant used in most pre-2010 air conditioning systems, is being phased out in favor of the more environmentally-friendly refrigerant R-410A. The manufacturing of new systems using R-22 has been banned since 2010 and the refrigerant itself will cease to be produced by 2020.
Less supply is sure to mean higher prices for the R-22 refrigerant. HVAC industry publications estimate that there will be significantly less R-22—up to 30 percent less—available for this season than was originally anticipated.
What does this mean to homeowners? If you have an older air conditioning system that uses R-22, perhaps this is the time to think about replacing your unit with a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly system, particularly if problems arise. In addition to saving on the cost of refrigerant, new air conditioning technology can save you money on your electric bill. There are also federal tax incentives for replacing your air conditioning unit with an energy-efficient system if purchased and installed by the end of 2013.
For more information on R-22 refrigerant and what this phaseout means for your Savannah area home, contact the experts at Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ve been helping east-central Georgia homeowners with their air conditioning needs since 1986.
