If you have an air conditioner unit that was manufactured before 2010, it most likely uses R-22 Freon as the refrigerant. Introduced in the 1950’s, R-22 refrigerant is the chemical that keeps the air coming from your unit cool. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined R-22 is an environmental danger contributing to ozone layer depletion. On January 1, 2020 the production and import of R-22 for use in new air conditioning units will be illegal. This phase-out is worldwide, not just in the US.
Do you have an AC unit with R-22? You can find the type of refrigerant your system uses on the unit’s nameplate on the outdoor condenser or in the user’s manual. To be clear…the ban does not require you to replace a well-functioning R-22 refrigerant AC system. However, as the ban date approaches, you will need to carefully evaluate your options if your find your AC unit failing or requiring repairs. Now is the time to plan and prepare.
We’d like to help you understand your options when deciding how to resolve issues you may have with your AC unit. Although, we always recommend getting the advice from a licensed heating and cooling professional, keep reading to learn a bit more about this upcoming change to prepare you for those conversations.
While mixing the new refrigerants with R-22 is not an option, there are three other options for you to consider:
1. Do nothing and wait until your system needs an expensive repair or has a Freon leak. Finding the leak can sometimes be challenging and fixing it can be even more challenging. If the leak is not found, then “topping off” the Freon is an option. You’ll need to find an HVAC technician with access to the ever-diminishing and expensive R-22 which is allowed for repairs or service after January 1, 2020.
2. Retrofit your R-22 equipment to use an alternative refrigerant. There are mixed opinions about the effectiveness of retrofitting from HVAC professionals. And, not all systems can be retrofitted. Explore this option thoroughly to make sure the cost makes sense relative to the number of years you increase the useful life of the system. Also, ask if the retrofit will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
3. Replace your system proactively. An option if you have an older AC unit showing its age or a new modern AC unit is important to you and your budget allows it. You’ll also have the peace of mind that you are using the approved environmentally friendly refrigerants. We recommend fall or spring for these replacements as heating and cooling companies aren’t as busy and prices may be lower since demand isn’t as high.
Now for the good news. There are valuable benefits to the new refrigerants like R410a. For example, it has an ozone depletion rating of zero, a higher safety rating and it performs slightly better on energy efficiency tests than R-22.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to have a heating and cooling professional regularly service your HVAC system so it operates efficiently. That way you can address minor, repairable issues before they may become expensive problems.
October 2019
Marybeth Fraser is the Team Leader, MBA & Realtor® of The Magnificent Manors Team of KW Metro Center. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist® and Accredited Staging Professional® Licensed in VA & DC.
marybeth@magnificentmanors.com | 703-798-1803 | www.magnificentmanors.com
