Air Conditioner Refrigerant Phase Out

R22 Phase Out

If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it is very possible that it is using R22 - a type of AC refrigerant introduced in the 1950s. R22 quickly became the leading refrigerant used in the US for residential heating and cooling, but fast forward a few decades and the world began realizing that the chemical was doing a lot of harm to our ozone layer. So, in 2010, The U.S. EPA and other agencies expressed concern and began initiating a phase out of this and other harmful ozone-depleting agents. Since then, production and import of R22 has continually reduced and will continue to until January 1st, 2020 when all production and importing of R22 will be completely eliminated. What does that mean for you? If you know that you have an AC unit that uses R22, DON’T PANIC. The ban doesn’t require you to replace a functioning R22 refrigerant AC or heat pump system. However, as the January 1,  2020 ban date approaches, you may need to evaluate your options if your air conditioning or heat pump system fails or requires emergency repairs. So...what are your options? 

Continue to repair “While R-22 remains available for servicing equipment made before 2010, it is important to know that supplies of R-22 will become more limited and the price of this refrigerant may increase,” says the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute. 

Here at JFDenney, we will continue to strive for fair pricing and limited increases.  Just remember that ACs and heat pumps are not designed to consume refrigerant. Refrigerant simply flows through a continuous series of coils. If your technician suspects a leak, they should locate and repair the refrigerant leak instead of simply “topping off” a leaking system. 

Replace At some point, you will need to replace your broken AC or heat pump. But you still have time to evaluate energy efficiencies, products, reviews and potential costs of the latest replacements available. Most likely, there are new features and benefits available today that weren’t available when your current system was installed. 

If paying for a new system is a concern, we do offer affordable financing options with low monthly payments. If you qualify, financing may help you fit a new comfort system into your budget without breaking the bank. Whether you choose OPTION 1 or OPTION 2, you should use the expertise of a licensed AC or heat pump dealer to provide routine maintenance. Professional maintenance helps your heating and cooling system to operate at its designed efficiency level and alerts you to small, fixable issues before they may become expensive problems. Most systems will now be using R-410A.
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