If your air conditioning unit uses R-22 refrigerant AKA Freon, on January 1st, 2020 it will be illegal to manufacture or import R-22 into the United States.
R-22 is an extremely effective coolant, making it possible to keep your home cool on even the hottest summer days.
The problem with R22 is when certain chemicals are exposed to the atmosphere. Chemicals like chlorine can be very damaging to the Ozone layer. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency has instituted a mandatory R22 Phaseout.
What does the R22 Phaseout mean for you the homeowner?
R-22 prices are only going to go up.
Many folks switched years ago but there is still time.
These types of phaseouts are not new, in fact, the EPA has been hard at work reducing the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) like Freon since the ’70s and ’80s.
This isn’t the first R22 phase-out, but it might be the last.
The first reduction came in 2004. Later in 2010, no new HVAC systems were allowed to use Freon. By 2015 as Freon became less and less prevalent, prices of the refrigerant quadrupled.
And finally, in 2020, no more R22 is going to be produced or imported into the US.
The good news is, the new refrigerant R-410A is still just as effective at keeping your home cool, even here in Nevada.
However, if your current system uses R-22 you won’t be able to simply put R-410A in it. Think of it like putting diesel in a car that uses gasoline, the results won’t be good.
Retrofitting for R-410A can be an option but is often more trouble than its worth. As a short term fix, your unit will lose efficiency over time.
How do I know if my AC unit uses Freon?
If your air conditioning unit was made before 2004, it definitely uses R-22. If it was made after, but before 2010 (anything after 2010 uses R-410A) check the label on your system. Freon is also known as HCFC-22 and that is what your label will read.
Any questions about R-22 or if you aren’t 100% sure, schedule a free evaluation here or call us at (702)-829-4280.
What are my options going forward?
If you find that your AC unit uses Freon, you have several options:
- Wait a few years. Just because import is illegal does not mean use is. There is still a limited amount of coolant available. But, it will get more and more expensive if you need an ac unit repair or a coolant replacement. Typically we charge around $600 for a coolant recharge. Eventually, it will be almost impossible to obtain any R-22, but presently you still have time to think about it.
- Upgrade your system for R–410A. This is the new coolant that is more environmentally friendly. Additionally, you CAN change out certain parts on your air conditioner to upgrade it. However, using new chemicals in an old system, your AC unit will lose efficiency. Your energy bills may be higher as well as not cooling your home as well as before.
- Upgrade your system entirely. Chances are it is almost time for one anyways. R-410A on your new system will get the job done. The prices of R-22 are only going to increase further making it harder and harder to keep your system going. Long term, and if properly installed right, you will benefit greatly from a new system.
What are my AC Solutions?
Give us a call at (702)-829-4280.
If you’re considering getting your AC unit replaced there are many great options available.
Newer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
This is definitely the more costly option in the short term. However, the other two options may well cost you much more in the long term.
Eventually, you’ll still have to replace your system anyways!
If you’re looking to move forward with your system or have any questions at all feel free to sign up here for an evaluation at no cost to you.
We will shoot it to you straight and make sure you have the best education to make a good decision.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Located in The Lakes, Summerlin we have experience with all of the following locations;
Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Inspirada, Macdonald Ranch, Mountain’s Edge, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sun City, Sunrise Manor, The Lakes, Tuscany Village, West Sahara, Whitney Ranch, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada!
We will be more than happy to assist you in your r22 phaseout questions.
Give us a call, our plugin your information into our appointment generator.
Have a great day! Talk to you soon!
(702)-829-4280
Found this helpful?
Check out our other articles here.