R-22 is a refrigerant that is often used in air conditioning units. To protect the Earth’s ozone layer, the United States has decided to phase out R22 refrigerant. Keep in mind that the ozone layer shields the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC’s) are chemicals that are mostly used as refrigerants. A refrigerant is a substance used in heat pumps and refrigeration units. It undergoes transitions from a liquid to a gas and back again.
As the United States moves forward with phasing out R-22, you will need to make informed choices about servicing, repairing and replacing your older R22 refrigerant air conditioning system. The EPA has banned the new manufacture of R-22 equipment. The phase out of R-22 has been a years long process that allows you to make choices for replacing your air conditioning equipment. Supplies of R-22 will become more limited and the price could become a lot more expensive. In 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced. After 2020, only recovered, recycled or reclaimed supplies will be available.
The important thing you can currently do is to maintain your R-22 unit using a reliable service company. Service technicians should locate and repair leaks of the refrigerant instead of “topping-off” leaking systems. This protects the ozone layer and saves you money. It is illegal to intentionally release ANY refrigerant into the atmosphere when making repairs. The phase-out period allows time for you too zone-friendly friendly refrigerant systems that are more energy efficient. De Hart Plumbing Heating and Cooling, serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas, Wamego Kansas, Topeka Kansas and some surrounding areas.