Facts about the New A/C Refrigerant Standards

If you own an older A/C unit, odds are it’s using R-22 refrigerant (also known as HCFC-22) to keep you cool.  R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air-conditioning systems for more than four decades.  Unfortunately for the environment, the release of R-22 into the atmosphere contributes to ozone depletion.  In addition, R-22 is considered a greenhouse gas.

Here at Conditioned Air, we want you to be informed about the new refrigerant standards.  You should know that the EPA has mandated the phase out of the old R-22 refrigerant, and that no production or importation of it will be permitted starting in the year 2020.  Manufacturers of air conditioning equipment were required to phase out the use of R-22 in new equipment as of January 1, 2010.

So, if you’re thinking about purchasing a new A/C unit, at this point you’ll be switching to the new refrigerant.  It’s called R410-A, and it’s offered under different trade names by different refrigerant manufacturers.   The newly designed R-410A systems employ thicker walled tubing, newly developed compressors and components, and a higher grade oil that requires diverse installation and service procedures.

What does the switchover mean for our customers?  Well, prices for the old R-22 will gradually go up as the next few years go by but shouldn’t be outrageous for a long time.  What it really boils down to is that if you installed a new R-22 air conditioning system in the year 2004, for example, you will be able to get refrigerant for your system at least until the year 2020.

If you opt to retrofit your existing A/C system for the new refrigerant, you need to be aware that when a system is changed over to R-410A we will need to change the condenser (outdoor unit), the evaporator coil and, in most cases, the refrigerant copper line set, or at least have them properly flushed.

If you’re buying a new R410-A system, you may actually get a side benefit.  Some products have experienced up to one full point higher SEER rating with the use of R-410A.

Our techs are EPA certified to handle refrigerants.  So, ask us about the new refrigerant standards when you’re looking to repair or replace your A/C unit.  We can advise you about choosing a new unit, or change you over if you’d like to “go green” with your air conditioning.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioning refrigerant standards and other HVAC topics, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Conditioned Air services Southwest Florida including cities Marco Island, Ft. Myers or anywhere in between.  To get started, check out our website or see our special offers.