R-22 To Be Phased Out Completely By 2020
It’s time for change once again! According to the EPA, R22 is due to be phased out completely by the year 2020. Why you ask? Good question!
Back in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed by several different countries to begin phasing out what are called “ozone depleting substances” (in essence, chemicals that will continue to eat away at our atmosphere here on earth).
The good old USA is just one of 190 countries that are putting a stop to the manufacturing and distribution of R-22.
Surprisingly, R-22 has not been manufactured or imported into the USA since January 1, 2010.
We are running on leftovers! As of January 1, 2015, the manufacturing and sale of R-22 air conditioners was banned.
What the R-22 Phase Out Means For You!
Most importantly, the cost of R-22 related repairs has begun to skyrocket based on the very little quantities that are left to be able to use.
If you still own a heat pump or air conditioner that uses R-22, don’t be surprised to spend at minimum $400 or more for a simple “gas and go” so to speak.
It is important to note that air conditioners and heat pumps are closed unit systems, so if you need R-22 added, you have a leak somewhere in the system, and leaks can only be fixed temporarily before they appear again.
Second, now is the best time to think about replacing your old air conditioner or heat pump.
If your air conditioner has experienced a few repairs in the past and is more than 10 years old, it is not advised to be dropping money into a unit that will be very expensive to service when a refrigerant problem arises.
Hopefully, this provides some insight into how to handle future air conditioner or heat pump repairs. Having related repairs competed now is just delaying the inevitable unfortunately. If you would like to schedule a free, no obligation estimate on a new ac or heat pump, contact us here or call 614-475-1800 today!
You can read more about the R22 Phase Out Here
