Your current commercial or residential air conditioning system may soon be affected by an EPA ban on the type of refrigerant it uses to cool your space. We at BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning have pulled together some useful information to help you if you understand what options you have if you have an R-22 system.
R-22 is a type of HCFC refrigerants that is used in many HVAC systems to cool a space. If you have a R-22-based system, the time is now to reevaluate its worth and think about getting a newer system.
The R-22 Refrigerant Ban
R-22 depletes the ozone layer, thereby reducing Earth’s protection from harmful radiation. R-22 reduction is a part of a larger effort to drastically reduce chemicals which are harmful to the environment and atmosphere.
If your system was made after 2010, then chances are that you don’t have anything to worry about. If your system was made before 2010, then you will need to convert your existing system to an alternative one which does not use R-22, or completely replace with a new system. The chemical known as 410A will most likely replace R-22 as the most commonly used refrigerant.
Installing A New System is Advised
For now, R-22 is still in production. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency’s complete ban of R-22 will go into effect. The price of R-22 has risen recently and has become less available in general. You can still purchase R-22 until the 2020 deadline comes around, but it will likely be more and more expensive. We here at BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning want to bring this important issue to your attention, so that you can fix any problems easily now, as opposed to being stressed closer to the deadline.
Alternative refrigerants like R-404A, R-438A and R-407C can be used instead of R-22, but using these will require converting your current HVAC system. Modifying and converting your system may void a warranty, or overwhelm your current unit. Conversion may also reduce your unit’s efficiency. All in all, conversion is not advised as a long-term solution.
Using a system that doesn’t operate at high efficiency will cost you more money over time, as it takes more energy to run. Consider the value to you of replacing your R-22 system with a newer HVAC model that functions without R-22.
Installing your new HVAC system also includes other benefits:
- Saving As Much as 40 percent on Utility Cost
- Extended Warranty
- Helps to preserve the environment
- A quieter system
- Faster Cooling
BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Has The Right Phase Out Solution For You
With all of this important information in mind, we would recommend that you begin to consider factoring in a new HVAC system into your future budget. A new system installation will help save money on costly refrigerant bills. Taking care of a new system now will also save you from the stress of having to quickly upgrade when the 2020 phaseout deadline comes about.
Call BWS Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today at (952) 681-2615 to learn more about the benefits and installation of a new HVAC system.
