In 2016 we told you about the R22 phase out and with warmer temperatures approaching, Matz-Rightway wanted to remind you of your options.
RECAP:
If you have air conditioning equipment installed earlier than 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what keeps the air coming from your air conditioner cool and comfortable. The [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]9] began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was compounding the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
Launching in 2010, the production and import of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will essentially no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer produced in North America.
You can purchase recycled R22 now for existing AC equipment that use this particular refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is increasing because of the dropping supply, and won’t be accessible for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your AC equipment was manufactured after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably won’t affect you. However, if your air conditioner was manufactured before January 2010, you have a few options:
1) Invest in an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which uses the approved AC refrigerant.
2) Call a professional to replace the parts in your current air conditioner to help make it compatible with approved A/C refrigerant. Understand, though, this is not recommended because it could void your warranty(ies).
3) Stick with using recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to panic about the issue of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to agonize about the rising costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to love the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Matz-Rightway today and we’ll come out and provide you a no-charge in-home estimate on a new air conditioning system, just in time for spring!