Three Years and Counting to 2020

Under the EPA’s directive production of R-22 refrigerant (Freon) is being phased out.  By the year 2020 production of this compound will cease completely.  R-22 is the refrigerant used in most HVAC systems manufactured prior to 2010.

Today’s Alternative
R-410A has replaced R-22 as the preferred refrigerant for use in residential and commercial air conditioners.  The first A/C units built that used R-410A were in 1996.  Production of air conditioners that used R-22 was completely stopped in January 1, 2010.

The Impact on You
If your AC unit was installed after 2010 there’s a good chance it does not use R-22 refrigerant.  For many of you with air conditioners put into service from 2000 to 2010, there is a high probability that they do not use R-22.  For those with older units installed in the 1980’s and 1990’s, your A/C unit probably still uses R-22.

Up to this point, if your unit needed a “charge” to replenish the R-22 in your air conditioner, a HVAC technician could do this for you.  As the clock ticks toward 2020 the option to replace lost R22 is going away.

As part of the phase out, less and less R-22 is being produced each year.  This means it is more difficult to obtain and the cost of R-22 is increasing each year substantially.  In 2017 we have seen a 60% increase in the cost of R-22.  As production levels decrease, prices will only continue to go up.

What’s A Person To Do?
If your air conditioner does not use R-22 you can stop reading now.  For those with older A/C units using R-22 you have a couple of options.

Option 1:  If your A/C is over 15 years old, the best approach is to replace it with a newer unit.  Along with eliminating the need to use R-22, newer units offer several other advantages.  They are more energy efficient so your electrical bill will be less; they will cool your home better; and you’ll avoid costly ongoing repair costs.

Option 2:  If your air conditioner is less than 15 years old there are alternative refrigerants or “drop-ins” available that can replace the R-22 refrigerant.  This can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing your A/C unit.  Keep in mind, however, alternative refrigerants may void the manufacturer’s warranty and are best used for condensers and heat pumps that are out of warranty.

Mecko’s A/C Super Tune-Up
Mecko’s Heating & Cooling is currently offering its A/C Super Tune-Up Special.

We’ll perform our 11-Point inspection of your air conditioning system for $79.00. To schedule an appointment online go to Service Request or call us at 765-447-7555.