Understanding the R-22 PHASEOUT

 

How government regulations may affect heating and cooling systems as of January 1, 2020.

 

What is R-22?

R-22, commonly referred to as Freon, is a refrigerant used in many home cooling systems.  Over the years, the US Environmental Protection agency (EPA) recognized the harmful effect it has on the Earth's ozone layer and began mandatory efforts to decrease the production and use of the refrigerant.

 

Since 2010, the EPA has been actively reducing the quantity of R-22 by placing bans on it's importation and production. 

 

As of January 1, 2020, EPA regulations mandate that R-22 refrigerant can no longer be produced or imported.

 

What does that mean for homeowners?

 

Existing R-22 systems can continue to be used and serviced, but refrigerant supply may be hard to find or unavailable and the cost will rise.  The general rule of thumb is the average unit can hold 2.5 pounds of Freon per ton of cooling.  I know my unit that is very similar to the photo that I choose for this blog, is a 2.5 ton unit.

 

Last year when I called companies, some were over $100 a pound.  Often times when your air is on and the air is not coming out cold, this is a sign that your Freon is low and your unit needs to have more added.

 

While R-22 can still be recaptured, recycled, and reused, no one can accurately measure or predict or predict how long the remaining supply might be available. 

 

If you have an older unit and you don't have it in your budget to replace with a high efficient one this Summer, you might want to consider a home warranty.  Please feel free to call Lori Amato on her cell at 847-970-2211 with any specific warranty questions.  She is a American Home Shield rep.

 

To learn more about the R-22 refrigerant phaseout or any related heating and cooling system regulations, visit www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout.

 

 

 

Some of this information was provided by her and AHS.  If you would like a pamphlet with more information, please just let me know.