A reliable home air conditioning system is essential to stay comfortable throughout the hot summer months. As the years go by, more technology continues to develop to make AC units safer and better for the environment. One key change all homeowners should be aware of is the R-22 (aka freon) phase-out.
What Is R-22?
Known formally as a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), R-22, or freon, is a type of refrigerant that was commonly used in home air conditioning systems. Refrigerant is a necessary gas that your AC unit uses to absorb heat from the air inside your home. It successfully transports the heat to the outdoor condenser unit, where the heat releases into the air outdoors.
Why Is R-22 Being Phased-Out?
R-22 is very damaging to the environment, more specifically, the ozone layer. When this refrigerant gets released into the air, it rises into the stratosphere and breaks down. As it does, it releases chlorine atoms, which destroy the ozone molecules.
This whole process effectively thins the ozone layer. Since the ozone layer is a protective barrier for humans to prevent harmful UV radiation from the sun, thinning is not good and leads to global warming. With its high global warming potential, R-22 refrigerant has been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and many other countries worldwide, thanks to the Montreal Protocol.
R-22 Regulations
The first part of the EPA’s R-22 phase-out plan constituted a ban on the manufacturing and installation of units that use R-22 in 2010. This means homeowners can’t purchase air conditioning systems that use R-22 refrigerant, and HVAC manufacturers may no longer make systems that use this type of refrigerant.
In 2020, the EPA completely banned the production and import of R-22 refrigerant. At this point, R-22 is no longer in production, but it is legal to sell existing stock. Additionally, HVAC companies can still reclaim or recycle R-22 refrigerants from pre-installed air conditioning systems that are being disposed of.
What Do These Regulations Mean for Homeowners?
If you have an air conditioning system that uses R-22 refrigerant, there’s no law stating that you need to remove it or that you can’t use it. However, the EPA regulations in place can make it challenging to service your unit.
The availability of R-22 refrigerant to recharge your system is very limited. As with any product, when supplies are low, its price greatly increases. This means you’ll likely be paying a significant amount to access R-22 refrigerant to recharge your air conditioner when necessary. You may also experience fewer technicians who have experience handling R-22 and the systems that use it.
Can You Retrofit Your AC?
There’s no doubt that purchasing a new air conditioning system can be quite expensive for the average homeowner. One common question many homeowners have is whether there’s a way to retrofit their existing AC units that use R-22 to use the newer refrigerant options.
Unfortunately, systems that use R-22 refrigerant can’t be retrofitted in any way to use the newer refrigerants. One reason is that ACs that use R-22 have mineral oil as a lubricant. Newer refrigerants must use synthetic oils. Trying to mix synthetic and mineral oils will ultimately damage the compressor pump and render your system unable to work.
Upgrading Your System
Running an air conditioning system that uses R-22 freon will continue to damage the environment. Most homeowners with these systems find upgrading is their best bet. It saves them a bundle on unexpected repair costs. There are many great benefits of upgrading to a new air conditioner system.
Safer for the Environment
One advantage of upgrading to a new air conditioner is that it’s much better for the environment. No homeowner likes contributing to major issues like global warming. By upgrading, you can have the peace of mind that your outdated unit will no longer be contributing to this worldwide problem. Newer refrigerants that use AL2s, like R-454B and R-32, have a much lower global warming potential (GWP) rating. Even better, they’re not shown to deplete the ozone layer.
New Warranty
A significant benefit of upgrading your AC unit is a brand-new warranty. Getting stuck paying out of pocket for unexpected system breakdowns can damage your budget. Fortunately, when you have a viable warranty, you know that your warranty may cover those unfortunate repair problems.
Energy Savings
Newer air conditioning systems are much more energy efficient than those produced just a few decades ago. To put this into perspective, older units have a SEER rating of around 10. Newer units have a higher rating between 14 and 20. When your system is more efficient, you can enjoy lower energy bills. It’s been estimated that homeowners upgrading from an outdated system that uses R-22 freon can save anywhere between 20% and 40% on their annual cooling bills.
Tax Incentives
The federal government constantly rewards homeowners who upgrade their homes to be more energy efficient. Purchasing a new air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR rating can make you eligible for a tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
The type of air conditioner you purchase and its efficiency rating will affect the total amount of the rebate you can claim. The maximum credit ranges anywhere between $600 and $3,200 per year. You may also find that you can receive local rebates and incentives from your utility company and local government when you get a new air conditioning system for your home. These rebates and incentives can help you recoup some of the upfront costs of your new system.
Better Performance
Most homeowners who upgrade from a 15- or 20-year-old air conditioning system to a new one will notice a stark difference in the unit’s performance. You’ll be more comfortable in your home without your unit constantly running. Many homeowners note quieter system operation and better humidity control with newer units than with outdated ones.
Increased Home Value
If you plan on selling your home any time in the near future, it’s necessary to release a disclosure that your system uses outdated R-22 refrigerant. This can reduce the resale value of your home and even increase your homeowner’s insurance rate. Upgrading to a newer AC that uses a safer AL2 refrigerant will boost the resale value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Should You Upgrade?
Whether you should upgrade your existing air conditioning system is up to you. Continuing to run your outdated system that uses R-22 freon is contributing to global warming. When repairs are necessary, you may pay a bundle to get the freon you need.
If you don’t want to take on the expense of a new unit, sticking to using your outdated one until it fails is always an option. However, realize that it’s likely inefficient, leading to higher energy bills than if you had a new unit. When your unit does fail, you’ll be without air conditioning until a new one can be installed.
Reliable AC Replacement Service
Southern Pride Service offers reliable AC replacement service for the La Plata, MD area. If you have specific budget constraints, we offer financing on approved credit. We can help with all your heating and AC installation, repair, and maintenance needs. Give us a call today to book your next service consultation.
