With the air outdoors starting to warm up, the need for the AC unit to be turned on is increasing. The warm weather means that the temperature inside your home will start to get warmer and most people want to stay comfortable. That means that you are switching from heat to air conditioning. Your central air conditioning unit uses refrigerant to make it work. The refrigerant is what will make the air that is being sent through that air ducts cool. One of the most common refrigerants is called R22. It is a particular type of refrigerant that has been used for nearly 40 years. The refrigerant is part of the unit and needs to be refilled or recharged on occasion. R22 is a type of refrigerant that is still used but will start to be phased out and no longer allowed.

Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning Explains What R22 Is & Why it is Going to Be Phased Out

What is R22 Refrigerant: R22 is commonly known as Freon. This is a gas that has no odor and no color that is labeled HFC22 for Hydro chlorofluorocarbon. It is manufactured so that it can be used in air conditioning units to keep the air cooled so you can enjoy your home.
What Units Use R22: If you have an air conditioning unit that was manufactured before January 2010, it most likely uses this type of refrigerant. It has been a good source for air conditioning companies to keep the unit running. If you have a unit that was manufactured after 2010 it is not going to use this same refrigerant. There are several other compounds that are used instead of R22 that are deemed better for the environment such as R410A commonly referred to as Puron. You can talk to your HVAC service technician to discuss what options that are available.
Why is R22 Being Phased Out?: R22 is a compound that has been used for over 40 years. The research that has been done on R22 shows it has some devastating effects on our planet. There are studies that show when R22 is released from the unit, it has a depleting effect on the ozone layer. This is a not a good situation so the EPA has decided that eliminating it all together over time is important. They have set a goal to reduce the amount that is currently in use by having new guidelines for units that are manufactured. They also have a deadline of 2020 to have it eliminated altogether. Over the next few years that price to receive this type of refrigerant will increase so people will want another option.

Air Conditioning Replacement & More in the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada

If you have a unit that was manufactured after 2010 you are in good shape. It is not using the R22 compound. If you have a unit that is outdated and made prior to 2010, you have until 2020 which gives you a few years to look at an upgrade but don’t procrastinate too long. HVAC contractors are bound to be extremely busy in the months leading up to this deadline. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning can replace the unit you have with a new unit that meets that standard of refrigerant that is allowed. Contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning to learn about energy efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioner replacement options.