What to know about the end of Freon

2020 is the year that this old and environmentally unfriendly refrigerant will finally be phased out for good. R-22 refrigerant, brand name Freon, will no longer be imported or produced in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2020. With that, homeowners will see the high prices of R-22 continued to climb as supplies dwindle and homeowners who have not converted will have some tough decisions to make.

The good news is there are ways to continue operating an old system that won’t require replacement right away, but be wary and find the opinion of an air conditioning contractor you trust. Some contractors could suggest a replacement, which might be the right call, but being informed is your best option when it comes to any tough decision.

What should you know about R-22?

R-22 is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon known to contribute to ozone layer depletion. The U.S. Clean Air Act under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer indicates that on Jan. 1, 2020, the U.S. will no longer produce or import the refrigerant anymore. Air conditioning companies will be allowed to sell their remaining supplies of R-22 produced prior to the deadline.

Air conditioning system manufacturers stopped using R-22 in 2010, replacing it in new units with the more ozone-friendly refrigerants. But for those with older systems still using R-22, that might not mean an immediate replacement is needed.

R-22 can be recovered and reclaimed and there are still supplies of the refrigerant even though they are dwindling. If you are lucky you might find a contractor with a decent supply but it is sure to run out, and the price is sure to go up!

The price?

Using R-22 comes at a cost. Because of diminishing supply, if you can find a contractor with R-22 it could cost you over $100 a pound to replace. The price is over 10 times what it was just a few years ago.

Now if your air contractor suggests you need to replace your system because of R-22, you still might have some options. If your system is not leaking it might last several more years, and common repairs such as fan motors and capacitors do not always require recharging the refrigerant. Also to keep in mind there are alternatives that might help you extend the life of your aging unit.

Alternative refrigerants?

There are also several alternatives that R-22 systems can be used without the need for retrofitting. They are what the industry terms as “drop ins” and do not require changes to seals or oils within the sealed air conditioning system.

The most common alternatives are R-422D, R-427A and R-407C. Your air conditioning contractor can suggest which one might be best for your unit and they are close to performing as well as R-22. These alternatives can cost up to 60% less than R-22 though they are not usually as efficient, so there are trade offs but it could allow you to save another couple of years for that modern replacement unit.

What should I watch for?

• If you have R-22 refrigerant in your system and levels are low, you must either refill with R-22 or, if you decide to use an alternative, the R-22 must be removed and completely recaptured and the system must be refilled completely with the alternative. It cannot simply be topped off with a cheaper alternative refrigerant. This is why you want a trusted technician giving you their professional opinion. It is not an easy choice and only you can make it. A good technician will be able to show you and break down on the differences in pricing and efficiency and help steer you in the right direction.
• In order to deal with R-22, contractors have to have a special certification. If you have a system that requires R-22 make sure you technician have the proper certification, and if you get your system topped off, make sure it is checked for leaks.
• An annual tune-up should occur in the spring, as when it’s blazing hot it is not the time to have an issue. In Florida we say when you have to close your windows you should schedule an appointment.
• You should also keep up with basic maintenance, change your filters, check any batteries you might have in your system, and keep you air conditioning coil outside of your house clear of leaves and other debris.