There’s change on the horizon and it involves your air conditioning. If you’re one of the many Wichita Falls homeowners who uses an HVAC system manufactured prior to 2010, chances are that it uses R-22 refrigerant. With the R-22 refrigerant phaseout underway, it may be time for you to consider replacing your current unit.
How the phaseout works
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating a phaseout of R-22 refrigerant from use in future HVAC systems. R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound that contains ozone-depleting chlorine. The EPA prohibited the manufacture of systems reliant on R-22 back in 2010 and is now steadily decreasing the amount of R-22 that can be produced without penalty.
As supplies of R-22 dwindle, manufacturers are making the transition to R-410A, a chlorine-free refrigerant with a reduced impact on the environment. It’s expected that by 2020 all new HVAC systems will use R-410A. R-22 will still be around, but only in the form of reclaimed refrigerant as allowances for virgin R-22 cease after 2020.
What does this mean for you?
With limited supplies of R-22, it’ll become increasingly more expensive to recharge older HVAC systems that are reliant on the old refrigerant. Keep in mind that R-410a cannot be used in existing systems that use R-22.
Now may be a good time to consider replacing your entire system with a new, energy-efficient unit based on R-410A. Not only will your home benefit from the increase in energy efficiency and overall HVAC performance, you’ll also remain ahead of the curve as R-410A becomes the de facto standard in consumer refrigeration.
To find out more about the R-22 refrigerant phaseout and what it means for your air conditioning system, contact us at James Lane Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Since 1957, we’ve proudly served homeowners throughout Wichita Falls and the surrounding areas.
