Have you heard that R22 Freon is being phased out? Nothing about R22 should cause you undue worry or cause you to take precipitous action, but it should be important to you. This will impact your future HVAC decisions.
There are two major refrigerants used in HVAC equipment in America today, R22 (Freon) and R410A (Puron). On January 1st 2010, equipment using R22 will no longer be built. Your current heating and air conditioning system most likely uses R22 Freon since R410A is a relatively new product.
IF your heating and AC system already uses R410A, congratulations. R22 is not an urgent problem. R22 has been around over 50 years and it will be around many more years in one way or another. There is a continuing supply from recycled and reclaimed R22 refrigerant.
Sooner or later you will be faced with the decision whether or not to replace or repair your HVAC system. Your choice of HVAC service company can help with the critical information you need to make a well informed decision and give you the facts about this refrigerant change.
Have you been told you that replacement parts using R22 will not be available?
If you have replaced your old system with a new R22 based system in the last 2 or 3 years, do not panic. Replacement parts for R22 systems will be available. New system components will not be made after January 1, 2010, but parts needed to repair your current R22 system will be available, albeit the prices may go up.
Here are a two critical facts to consider about refrigerants:
1. R22 and R410A are not compatible, they cannot be mixed together. In fact, refrigerant lines must be very carefully treated to extract all the R22 before a R410A system is installed. A successful transition is critical. Any conversation with your HVAC service company about your home’s solutions should address this unique incompatibility.
2. R410A refrigerant leaks require a critical repair procedure. Some people have lived with R22 freon leaks for years; this is a not a good thing! Many people have a service tech come by in the spring and “top off” the R22 Freon. If you have a refrigerant leak, it needs to be fixed by a professional immediately!
If you need information or have questions feel free to call or email or leave a comment below.
