Refrigerants play a crucial role in cooling and maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Air conditioners especially rely on refrigerant to cool homes efficiently. One such refrigerant, R22, has been widely used for several decades. However, recent developments in environmental regulations have led to its phasing out.
Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing explains what R22 is, why it has been phased out, and what you should do if your air conditioner uses R22 to cool your home.
What Is R22 Refrigerant?
R22, also known as Freon, is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant that has been commonly used in air conditioning systems for many years. Its properties allow it to absorb heat from the air, providing cooling effects.
However, R22 was discovered to have a significant environmental impact. Ozone depletion was linked to R22. The depletion of Ozone allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was adopted as a way to protect the ozone layer by stopping the production of HCFCs like R22. This was an international protocol that has been adopted around the world.
Many homeowners are shocked to find out that when their air conditioner is suffering from a refrigerant leak, they are hit with a hefty repair bill because R22 refrigerant is so expensive. The production and importation of R22 have been significantly limited since 2010. The reduced supply and increasing demand for this refrigerant have caused costs to rise.
What is the Alternative to R22 Refrigerant?
To replace R22, HVAC system manufacturers have introduced alternative refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly. The most common alternative is R410A, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant. R410A does not contribute to ozone depletion and has become the standard refrigerant for new AC units.
R410A offers several advantages over R22. It has higher energy efficiency, which translates to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. R410A operates at higher pressures, requiring equipment specifically designed to handle these pressures. R410A is also commonly used in modern heat pump systems. R410A readily absorbs heat, which makes them work better in colder climates than older systems.
My AC Unit uses R22, What Should I Do To Avoid High Air Conditioning Repair Bills?
Although refrigerant leaks can be fixed, an older system will often develop more leaks as it ages. If you had R22 added to your air conditioning system last year, and now your home is humid again this summer, your system may have developed another leak. Unfortunately, because R410A is designed to run at a higher pressure, you can’t avoid high refrigerant prices by replacing one refrigerant for another. R410A is not compatible with older systems.
Air conditioners that still use R22 are worth replacing. While R22 may still be available for servicing existing units, its production and availability have significantly decreased, leading to soaring prices.
The best way to avoid expensive repair costs for your air conditioning unit is to upgrade to a new system. By installing a new system, you’ll not only enjoy the benefits of increased environmental friendliness, but also eliminate the need for frequent repairs that your current AC unit requires. By switching to a system that uses R410A, you can save money on refrigerant costs and operational repairs. You’ll also gain peace of mind that your system will cool your home for years to come.
Call Top Notch for an Estimate on Air Conditioner Installation in Kansas City, KS
If you are unsure about the refrigerant your AC system uses or have concerns about its performance, it is recommended to reach out to the reliable and experienced team of HVAC technicians at Top Notch Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We can evaluate your system, provide expert advice, and offer repair or replacement services based on your specific needs.
If your AC system still uses R22, it is wise to consider replacing it to avoid rising costs, and potential performance issues, and to embrace a more sustainable and efficient cooling solution. Contact Top Notch today for air conditioning repair and replacement services to ensure your home stays comfortable all summer long.
