Do you have an HVAC system that runs R-22 Refrigerant?
As of January 1, 2020 the production and import of R-22 will be illegal in the United States.
R-22 Phase Out by the EPA
You may continue to run and have your R-22 system serviced, however with no new R-22 being produced and limited refrigerant availability, you may have to decide between a high R-22 refrigerant bill or a new R-410A refrigerant replacement system.
What Is Refrigerant, Anyway?
The refrigerant in your AC or heat pump is the fluid that flows inside the coils in your equipment. With the help of your system’s compressor, condenser and evaporator, various pressures are imposed on the refrigerant causing it to transform physically between liquid and gas states. This physical change makes the substance either hot or cold. As its pressure changes, it readily absorbs or gives off heat to the air passing over the coils, changing the temperature of that air. Eventually, this comfortable air makes its way to the rooms in your home.
What If My AC or Heat Pump Uses R-22?
The ban doesn’t require you to replace a functioning, R-22 refrigerant AC or heat pump system. However, as the January 1, 2020 ban date has passed us, you may need to evaluate your options if your air conditioning or heat pump system fails or requires emergency repairs. So...what are my options?
OPTION 1: REPAIR
Even though OPTION 1 may sound like an easy fix, the price of R-22 refrigerant is subject to shrinking supply. This may make R-22 very expensive. “While R-22 remains available for servicing equipment made before 2010, it is important to know that supplies of R-22 will become more limited and the price of this refrigerant may increase,” says the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
As the supply becomes limited, you may end up paying more for a repair that requires R-22 refrigerant than a down payment on a new heat pump or AC system. Just remember that ACs and heat pumps are not designed to consume refrigerant. Refrigerant simply flows through a continuous series of coils. If your technician suspects a leak, they should locate and repair the refrigerant leak instead of simply "topping off" a leaking system.
OPTION 2: REPLACE
Are you hoping that your AC or heat pump can get through “just one more” season without having to replace it? If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider OPTION 2 instead of putting money into your existing equipment.
At some point, you will need to replace your broken AC or heat pump. OPTION 2 allows you to purchase a new heating and cooling system on your schedule, without the urgency of living in a hot or cold house. It also gives you the time to evaluate energy efficiencies, product reviews and potential costs of the latest replacements available. Most likely, there are new features and benefits available today that weren’t available when your current system was installed.
If paying for a new system is a concern, we offer affordable financing options with low monthly payments. If you qualify, financing may help you fit a new comfort system into your budget without breaking the bank.
Whether you choose OPTION 1 or OPTION 2, you should use our expertise as a licensed AC dealer to provide routine maintenance. Professional maintenance helps your heating and cooling system to operate at its designed efficiency level and alerts you to small, fixable issues before they may become expensive problems.
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