Changes In The Refrigerant (R-22) Used In Central Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps

The R-22 refrigerant, a HCFC (hydrochlorofluorocarbon) will no longer be manufactured as of January 2010. The EPA, through the Title VI of the Clean Air Act has established a schedule to phase-out HCFCs including R-22 which contain ozone-destroying chlorine. This refrigerant has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for the past four decades. Residential air conditioning systems are now available with equipment that uses ozone-friendly refrigerants. 

Below are factors which homeowners will need to consider when repairing or replacing their current equipment.

Future Availability

• Until the year 2020, R-22 will be reclaimed and reused to service existing equipment or recycled and used in other cooling systems. 
• Service technicians who repair leaks to your system will be able to continue to charge R-22 into your system as part of the repair.

• The price is expected increase as stockpiled refrigerant dwindles over the next 15 years.
• The EPA believes that consumers should not be subjected to significant price hikes due to the lengthy phase-out period.

 Replacement Refrigerants

• R-22 will be replaced by non-ozone-depleting refrigerants as it is phased out.
• A current substitute available in the HVAC industry is R-410A.  This is manufactured and sold under various trade names.

 Life Expectancy of Current Equipment

• The average life expectancy of an air conditioning unit or heat pump is 15 years.
• You should keep in mind that if you had installed a new R-22 air conditioning system in 2005, you will still be able to get refrigerant for your system until at least the year 2020, when it will no longer be available. 

 Energy Efficient Equipment

• If you have older equipment and have decided to replace your system, consider purchasing a high-energy efficient system that uses R-410A refrigerant.
• Today’s energy efficient air conditioners use much less energy to produce that same amount of cooling. According to the EPA, Energy Star ® labeled products can save homeowners 10 – 40% on their heating and cooling bills every year.
  

This is a change that is beneficial to all, including our planet! 

To learn more about Energy Efficient Systems go to :  http://www.Coolray.com or www.EnergyStar.gov.