What You Should Consider If You Have An AC That Uses R-22 Refrigerant
People take their central air conditioning systems for granted until they need to get them fixed. This aspect is especially true when an HVAC system breaks down during summer. If your cooling system is 15 years or older, then you’re probably torn between getting it repaired or replaced. One factor that weighs heavily on this decision is that R-22, a common refrigerant in older AC systems, was phased out in America. Old systems that use R-22 will need to be replaced by newer models. There are several reasons why.
When Will R-22 Be Banned In America?
Contents
- 1 When Will R-22 Be Banned In America?
- 2 Is R22 Refrigerant Still Available In Connecticut?
- 3 Why Is R22 Refrigerant Banned? Environmental Damage Causes By R-22
- 4 R22 Vs. R410A: Which Is The Better Choice?
- 5 Why Is R-22 Refrigerant Price So Expensive?
- 6 Central Air Conditioning Prices: HVAC Tax Credit & AC Rebate Savings
- 7 Conclusion
R-22 is a substance that used to be commonly found in cooling systems. It was the standard, mainly because it did an excellent job at helping HVAC systems extract hot air indoors and expel it outdoors. However, the substance is not that good for the environment. Due to this, the US government has implemented regulations. In the meantime, the HVAC industry has worked hard to develop alternative refrigerants. With that said, it is now illegal to import R-22 or make it. This took place at the beginning of 2020.
Is R22 Refrigerant Still Available In Connecticut?
Currently, R-22 was still available. However, it is expensive because there is only a limited amount of it. Also, the demand for it is incredibly high. If you wanted to recharge your HVAC system using R-22, then you could be looking at spending as much as $2,000. The larger the system, the more you will pay for the refrigerant.
If you are a smart homeowner, then you should start considering whether or not it is better to spend money on recharging your system with R-22 or upgrade your air conditioning system to something more modern and energy efficient.
If you want a cost analysis performed for your HVAC system, as well as a free assessment, then contact Miller Oil Company today.
Bear in mind that we, or any other HVAC company, will not have easy access to R22 refrigerant. If your system needs a recharge, then it would be more economical to replace your HVAC system. The good news is that air conditioner prices are low this year, so take advantage of that and buy a new cooling system as soon as possible.
Why Is R22 Refrigerant Banned? Environmental Damage Causes By R-22
R-22 is harmful to the environment, as it contains components that destroy the ozone layer. These components include hydrochlorofluorocarbons.[1] As you may know, when the ozone layer weakens, then we become more susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. The good news is that the massive hole that researchers found in the ozone layer has reduced in size since the ban on CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances.[2]
If your HVAC system uses this type of refrigerant, then you can do your part in protecting the ozone layer by upgrading your system. Newer systems are far more environmentally friendly than the ones that use R22 refrigerant.
R22 Vs. R410A: Which Is The Better Choice?
Differences Between R-22 & R-410a
Furthermore, HVAC systems deteriorate as the years go by. Debris, dirt, and dust can accumulate and friction can cause parts to succumb to wear and tear. Leaks can happen as a result of pressure building up. Our old AC systems might do an alright job at keeping our homes cool, but they have to use more power than necessary to get the job done. As you can guess, when this happens, the monthly energy bill will increase by a lot. That is why it makes more sense to buy an energy-efficient air conditioning system than it does to keep on using an older system.
Also, there have been developments within the HVAC industry, where air conditioning systems have become more energy efficient. If you take a look at the HVAC systems that have come out recently to the ones that were out in 2005, then you’ll quickly realize just how much better the newer AC systems are. The bottom line is it makes more financial sense to purchase a system that is brand new than to keep running your system that is 10-15 years old.
Why Is R-22 Refrigerant Price So Expensive?
One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that R-22 is expensive. It might be available today, but R-22 refrigerant price is sky-high. Due to the phase-out, manufacturers were refraining from producing any more of it even before the deadline. This circumstance has led to a low supply and high demand, which pushes the price of it up. The price of R22 is continuously increasing.
If your home’s HVAC system leaks or if your refrigerant goes below a certain level, then you can expect to pay a lot of money to repair your system. If your AC needs a repair during the peak season, then you can expect to pay an extremely high price for R-22 refrigerant. We predict that between now and January 2020 that there will be massive spikes in the price. This increase will be noticeable once the summer arrives and as we progress throughout the summer.
Central Air Conditioning Prices: HVAC Tax Credit & AC Rebate Savings
The US government wants to encourage people to replace their older cooling systems with newer ones. Hence why they have introduced perks that buyers can take advantage of. By purchasing a new AC system, you could receive tax breaks that can offset the price you pay for it. You can the ACCA’s website if you want to find out more about the savings you could potentially receive.
In general, what you’ll save by upgrading to a newer system is tied to SEER, short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more you can save in the form of incentives, tax credits, and rebates. Additionally, SEER ratings equate to improved efficiency, which means the higher the rating, the less your system will have to work.
Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.[3]
If you want to learn about tax breaks you might qualify for, then contact us today. We will tell you about any other ways you can save money too. Give us a call today, and we’ll be more than happy to provide you with more information.
Conclusion
Miller Oil Company has been providing residential and commercial HVAC services for many years. We are a trusted company and we are honored to serve our customers.
If you need HVAC repairs, installation services, a tune-up, or if you have any questions about HVAC in general, then contact us today. We offer free estimates. Call now!
Click here to contact us today or give us a call at (860) 745-0326 if you have any questions.
[1] Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) (https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout)
[2] Ozone depletion, explained (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/ozone-depletion/)
[3] US Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning)