We told you last summer about the R22 phase out and with cooling season approaching, Stark Services wanted to remind you of your choices.
RECAP:
If you have an AC system installed earlier than 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what causes the air coming from your air conditioner to be cool and comfortable. The [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]9] began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was adding to the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer.
Starting in 2010, the making and importing of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will pretty much no longer be allowed.
HIGHLIGHTS:
R22 refrigerant is no longer produced in North America.
You can get recycled R22 now for existing air conditioners that use this particular refrigerant.
The cost of R22 is rising because of the decreasing supply, and won’t be accessible for use at all by 2020.
GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
If your AC equipment was made after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably won’t apply to you. However, if your AC equipment was made before January 2010, you have a few options:
1) Invest in an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which uses the approved A/C refrigerant.
2) Call an expert to replace the parts in your current air conditioning system to help make it compatible with approved AC refrigerant. Keep in mind, this is not recommended because it could invalidate your warranty(ies).
3) Continue to use recycled R22 until 2020.
READY TO BE DONE WITH IT?
If you don’t want to panic about the trouble of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to worry about the rising costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to improve the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Stark Services today and we’ll come out and provide you a no-charge in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, just in time for spring!