Do you know what's going on with the R-22 refrigerant phaseout? With plans to ban this once-popular cooling agent well underway, it's important for homeowners to understand why R-22 is being replaced and what its implications are. To get you up to speed, here's a quick guide to the R-22 phaseout and how you can prepare for the future.

R-22 refrigerant is harmful to the environment

For decades, R-22 was the most commonly used refrigerant in cooling systems. Unfortunately, R-22 contains chlorine, which contributes to the depletion of the ozone. As such, the U.S. and 196 other countries have agreed to put a ban on the refrigerant in scheduled phases. 

The phaseout has already begun

The first step in the R-22 refrigerant phaseout took place in 2010 with the halting of the manufacture of R-22-reliant cooling equipment. Since then, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been tightly regulating the amount of new R-22 that's manufactured for cooling maintenance and repairs. With each passing year, the permitted production values are significantly reduced. This year, experts expect to see a 30 percent drop in the amount of new R-22 being developed. By the year 2020, all R-22 production will be banned.

Shrinking R-22 supplies could create problems for homeowners

As the supplies of R-22 dwindle, it will become more difficult and more expensive for HVAC contractors to obtain the refrigerant. Unfortunately, this will likely result in higher service and maintenance bills for homeowners. Even small problems could lead to expensive invoices. 

R-410A refrigerant is the way of the future 

To avoid stress and costly problems, it may be in your best interest to replace your air conditioner with one that utilizes R-410A refrigerant when larger problems arise. R-410A is EPA approved, as it does not contain chlorine. By upgrading to a system that runs on a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, you'll also be doing your part to help the environment.

To learn more about the R-22 refrigerant phaseout, contact the experts at JonLe Heating & Cooling. We provide home comfort services to homeowners in the greater Cincinnati area. 

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