In less than 60 days, a new law will enforce a complete ban on the production and importation of R22 refrigerant, the refrigerant that has been widely used in the air conditioning industry for decades. While the benefits of this ban are clear, it will help protect the earth’s ozone layer, it does cause some challenges for homeowners with aging HVAC systems.
As of January 1, 2020, there will only be a limited supply of recycled or existing quantities of R22. So, if you have an older system, you may want to start considering your options now.
Do Nothing
If your current HVAC system has an air conditioning unit with R22, you don’t necessarily have to do anything immediately. If it’s running fine without any refrigerant leaks, you can cross your fingers and hope that things remain the same for now. However, it’s important to note that if and when you need refrigerant, the cost of stockpiled R22 is skyrocketing, and it’s unclear how long there will continue to be a supply at all.
Retrofit Your Existing Air Conditioner
The newer, legal refrigerant available is R410A, called Puron. Air conditioners can be retrofitted to use this type of refrigerant, but this comes at a cost. If your system is already on the decline, it may not be your best option. At Bruce’s, we’re happy to assess the condition of your air conditioner to determine if it’s a possible candidate for retrofitting.
Replace Your System with a New Air Conditioner
Yes, new air conditioners can dip into your budget. However, replacing an older air conditioner that uses R22 with a new, more energy-efficient model that uses R410A will save you monthly on your utility bill. And, you won’t have to be rolling the dice with an aging system that will eventually break down. Contact us for a free estimate and to learn about your financing options.
The switch to non-ozone depleting refrigerants is a good thing, and we support this shift. And as your HVAC experts, we’re here to help you through this transition while ensuring the function and efficiency of your air conditioner.
