Freon, a common refrigerant in air conditioning, also known as R-22, will no longer be available after 2020. The decision to ban Freon stems from the environmentally unfriendly nature of the refrigerant, making it hazardous to the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the odorless gas depletes the ozone layer and will be replaced by safer refrigerant options. To help phase R-22 out, the importation and manufacturing of Freon became illegal effective January 1, 2020.
The Impact of the Freon Ban on Homeowners & Residential AC
As the Freon exits the market to allow for the use of safer chemicals in refrigerants, you may not necessarily have to replace your existing HVAC as the move targets the production side and not the consumers. However, you will find that servicing your current air conditioning system will become harder in the future due to the unavailability of the R-22 needed to run Freon air conditioners.
For some homeowners, retrofitting may be a better option of ensuring compliance with the set guidelines. Retrofitting refers to adjusting your Freon-based HVAC system to use a different refrigerant. If the coils in your HVAC system are compatible with Puron (R-410A), which is a better alternative to Freon, your technician can replace your AC’s outdoor unit without altering other components. This way, you won’t have to replace your current AC when Freon eventually gets phased out. Retrofitting will maintain the effectiveness of your current system and will even lead to energy savings.
Get Solutions to Your A/C Issues Today
After 2020, Freon will no longer be available, and you can only service you’re a/C with recycled Freon. With a standard HVAC system lasting for up to 15 years, it is ideal that you replace your old A/C with one that is modern and environmentally friendly. If you can’t tell whether you’re A/C refrigerant is Freon-based, or you need advice on the best coolant, our technicians are always ready to help. Contact us at (702) 466-1884 today for all your HVAC system needs, including inspection and repairs.