Summer is in full swing across the country. Between time spent at the pool, dropping kids off from their various activities all over town, and long walks outside to soak in the last moments of sun, hours at home are limited; you might not notice your AC’s performance.
However, if your HVAC system was built and installed before the start of 2010, there’s a good chance you might need to consider some changes; many of these older units require R22 – a cooling substance that’s recently been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In this post, we’ll go over all there is to know about the situation and what you can do if it affects you.
Have immediate air conditioner-related questions? Call the pros here at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling. No matter where you live throughout Butler or the greater Armstrong County area, our team is here for you. Book an appointment online or call 724-664-1976.
What Is R22 Refrigerant?
Also known by the names R-22 Freon and HCFC-22 Freon, R22 refrigerant is a chemical-based substance used in HVAC systems to manipulate the temperature going in and out of the appliance. A vital component of any heating and cooling system (including your refrigerator), refrigerant makes the very concept of changing air temperature possible. The chemical composition of the coolant allows for a seamless transition between states of matter: liquid to vapor and the reverse; this rapid pressure change alters the air that passes over the coils within the equipment, making it colder or warmer depending on the system’s settings. Without any kind of refrigerant, your air conditioner cannot properly absorb and transfer out the heat and humidity inside your home or draw in warm, outside air to cool and replace it.
Unfortunately, many of these coolant substances are comprised of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) – chemicals that scientists have discovered have a significant impact on the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. To work toward reducing this pollutant emission, the EPA began a several decades-long phaseout process back in 2010. Over the last 14 or so years, the United States has banned production and import of HVAC systems that rely on R22 as well as the substance itself. After the start of 2020, if your HVAC appliance utilizes R22, you have to rely on whatever stock is already available.
How Do I Know What Refrigerant My HVAC System Uses?
While industry professionals (like us here at 1 Stop) are the ones to trust when it comes to all things AC and heating, it’s still a good idea to know what kind of coolant your system requires to keep it functioning optimally. That way, if you do need to schedule a maintenance or repair service, and your appliance is affected by the R22 ban, you’re that much more informed when it’s time to discuss options.
The good news is that it’s pretty straightforward to figure out which specific type of refrigerant your system uses. Go outside and take a peek at the label on your compressor (the external component of your AC appliance). If you see R-22, HCFC-22, or any similar iteration anywhere on that sticker, you might need to consider alternatives at some point down the line.
What Are Some Alternative Options?
So, you went and checked and your AC unit does use R22…now what? Fortunately, while the EPA ban might impact future repairs, it does not necessarily render your existing appliance useless nor does it require you to replace a system that is otherwise functioning fine.
However, should you experience any issues with your air conditioner involving the refrigerant, since the country is no longer obtaining and/or producing new quantities, it will get harder and harder to come by. And due to the law of supply and demand, any existing R22 product will increase in price as it decreases in accessibility. This means that you could be looking at spending a bigger chunk of change to cover the cost of R22-based repairs than if you were to invest in an entirely new system.
If your appliance is already on the older side or is frequently finicky, you’d most likely be better off discussing replacement options with a certified professional. And that’s what we’re here for.
Want To Learn More? Call the Experts at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling Today!
For those living in or around Armstrong County, PA, our team is just the one to call for all things HVAC. No matter what kind of system you currently have installed or the extent to which your home might be affected by this R22 EPA ban, the pros here at 1 Stop Heating & Cooling have solutions.
Wanna chat details? Ready to book your appointment? Searching for answers to other AC-related questions? We’re here to help however we can. Schedule your service online or give us a call at 724-664-1976 to get started.
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