R22 is Phasing Out 

In 2016 we told you about the R22 phase out and with cooling season approaching, Stevenson Service Experts wanted to remind you of your choices. 

RECAP: 

If you have an AC system installed prior to 2010, it most likely uses R22 refrigerant, which is what keeps the air coming from your air conditioner cool and comfy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began phasing out R22 refrigerant in recent years because it was compounding the depletion of the Earth’s ozone layer. 

Launching in 2010, the making and importing of R22 was prohibited and by 2020, R22 will essentially no longer be allowed. 

HIGHLIGHTS: 

R22 refrigerant is no longer produced in North America. 

You can purchase recycled R22 now for existing air conditioning systems that use this particular refrigerant. 

The cost of R22 is going up because of the decreasing supply, and will no longer be obtainable for use at all by 2020. 

GOT IT? GOOD! SO WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN? 

If your AC equipment was made after January 2010, the R22 refrigerant phase-out probably doesn’t apply to you. However, if your air conditioning system was made before January 2010, you have a couple options: 

1) Purchase an upgraded, more environmentally-friendly system, which uses the approved AC refrigerant. 

2) Call a professional to replace the parts in your current air conditioner to help make it compatible with approved air conditioner refrigerant. Keep in mind, this is not recommended because it could void your warranty(ies). 

3) Stick with using recycled R22 until 2020. 

READY TO BE DONE WITH IT? 

If you don’t want to have to worry about the hassle of your refrigerant being phased-out, or you don’t want to worry about the increasing costs of said refrigerant, or you just want to help the environment with a non-ozone destroying refrigerant, call Stevenson Service Experts today and we’ll come out and provide you a complimentary in-home estimate on a new air conditioner, just in time for spring!