October 4, 2017
We will answer your questions about the R22 phase-out and will help you decide which is the best decision for you and your family.
Air conditioners that take R22 refrigerant, are being phased out and this type of refrigerant will not be available after January 1, 2020. If you are a business owner who relies on this type of system or a homeowner that uses it to keep your home cool, it is time to decide whether to refit or replace your air conditioner.
R22 refrigerant is being replaced with the safer EPA-compliant R410A type. You have to either decide now to refit or replace your existing unit or be forced to do so after 2020 when R22 refrigerant is no longer available.
R22 refrigerant, or Freon, has been used in air conditioning systems for a long time. However, due to its reclassification as a danger to the environment, the US Environmental Protection Agency has placed restrictions on its manufacture as well as a mandate to phase it out completely by 2020.
Making a Decision
While 2020 may seem like a few years away, the impact of the phase-out is already being felt. The price of refrigerant is soaring. So really now is the time to start considering your options.
For starters, you need to determine if this is even an issue for you. Find out which type of refrigerant your unit uses. To do this, look at the nameplate on the outdoor condenser or check your owner’s manual.
If your unit does take R22, it’s time to consider your options. If you wait until the last minute, you may end up in a difficult situation where you’re forced to make an uninformed decision.
One option may be to have your unit updated so that it can function with an alternative refrigerant, such as R410A. However, while totally replacing your system may be a substantial investment, it may be a more cost-effective choice.
Here are some things to consider to determine if you need to replace your AC unit:
- It is your unit at least 10 years old?
- Have you already been experiencing cooling issues?
- Have you seen an increase in your energy bills?
- Have you had the repairman out multiple times already?
While the phase-out is meant to help the environment, it is not the only issue. You want an AC system that is also energy-efficient which means it costs you less money to run.
How Scott-Lee Heating Can Help
We have been helping St. Louis residents with their heating and cooling needs for over 35 years! We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality and most energy-efficient air conditioning systems available.
Whether you need to have your system repaired or replaced, you can count on us to be there when you need us, charge you a fair and honest price, and stand behind our work 100%.
Call us today at (314) 200-0788 or fill out our online contact form. We will answer your questions about the R22 phase-out and will help you decide which is the best decision for you and your family.