The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set January 1, 2020 as the date when R22 is banned from production and importation in the United States.
What If My AC or Heat Pump Uses R22? The ban doesn’t require you to replace a functioning, R22 refrigerant AC or heat pump system. However, as of January 1, 2020 is the ban date , you may need to evaluate your options if your air conditioning or heat pump system fails or requires emergency repairs. R22 is being replaced by R-410A, a safer material which is the current, compliant standard refrigerant in air conditioning equipment. R22 refrigerant and its HFC replacement R410A are totally incompatible. Your existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not suited to the new higher pressure refrigerant. With the rising costs of R22 and eventually being told there isn’t any R22 left, replacing your unit is a sound decision. Only you know your financial circumstances, but if you’re able to replace instead of repair, it may make the most fiscal sense. You’ll eventually have to replace it one day anyway, and it doesn’t make much sense to keep buying expensive refrigerants that will eventually be obsolete. If you decide to replace, there are two paths you can take. One, you can wait until your unit needs repairs and then replace it, or you could just get it over with and replace the system now. It may be tempting to wait until you have a repair or a refrigerant leak to replace, but depending on your needs and circumstances…..it maybe your best option to replace it now. The team at GoodGuys Heating and Air are always here to help with any concerns or questions you may have, so feel free to give us a call or download our App to speak with one of our highly trained technicians.