As a homeowner, you rely heavily on your central air conditioning systems in the hot summer months. But, did you know that the refrigerant running in older AC system will be going away very soon?
Here is what you need to know about the banning of R22 refrigerant production in 2020, and how it will affect your home cooling system.
R22 Refrigerant, also referred to as R22 Freon or HCFC, has been identified as an environmental danger that contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer. For many years, R22 was the most popular choice of refrigerant used for residential air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It is used in equipment such as window AC units, central AC units, air-to-air heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, dehumidifiers, and ductless air conditioners.
Effects from the Ban
In 2020, the production of R22 is no longer permitted. The only way to obtain the refrigerant now is to buy recovered and recycled R22. This low supply is expected to cause a drastic increase in price.
By 2030, consumers will be required to use more environmentally friendly equipment.
Solutions
Even though you are not required to switch your equipment today, it could be very beneficial if you did. Newer air conditioning system models can save you significant amounts of money in energy costs because of their much higher energy-efficiency ratings. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, equipment labeled with an Energy Star sticker can save homeowners from 10% to 40% on their heating and cooling costs!
Contact a qualified HVAC contractor to discuss your options for replacing your old R22 air conditioning system.