Does Your AC Use R-22? Take This Into Consideration

Most people do not fully appreciate the value of central air conditioning systems. These useful devices help maintain the internal temperature of your home cool during blistering hot and humid summers. Essentially, they make us feel comfortable even when the weather is unbearable outdoors.

However, if your unit breaks down during this season and it has been serving you for more than 15 years, then you have major decisions to make – whether to repair or replace it.

There is a mandatory regulation by the US Government that requires the phasing out of old R-22 refrigerants. This phaseout went into full effect by January 1, 2020. If you are using a cooling system that uses an R-22 refrigerant, you will have to decide between an expensive repair or a replacement with a newer air conditioning model. Keep reading to find out why.

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When Was R-22 Totally Banned In The United States?

As mentioned above, your air conditioner uses a substance called R-22 for refrigeration. This substance used to be the standard in the old models. It was favored for this kind of job, thanks to the fact that it helped cooling units to extract heat from inside your home and pump it outside. However, since this substance harms the environment, it fell out of favor. HVAC manufacturers have poured vast amounts of resources into developing better materials that can replace R-22. The push came because of strict US government regulations on the manufacturing of r22 refrigerants. It was illegal to manufacture or import R-22 into the United States as of January 1, 2020 and on.

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Is R22 Refrigerant Still Available In Pennsylvania?

R-22 will still be available, though it is costly to purchase. Currently, there is a dwindling supply and high demand. You may have to pay up to $2,000 to refill your HVAC system in some cases. The cost will depend on the size of your air conditioner. The larger your cooling system is, the more money you will have to pay to recharge it.

Smart homeowners should consider replacing their units with newer, more energy-efficient air conditioners instead of paying the cost of recharging their older AC system. Therefore, take advantage of lower prices this year if your home AC system is older than 15 years.

What Is The Damage Caused To The Environment By R-22?

R-22 has many harmful effects on the environment. That was the main driving force behind its ban. This substance contains HCFCs or hydrochlorofluorocarbons^[1] that are responsible for damage to the ozone layer. This layer protects us from harm caused by ultraviolet radiation. But thanks to intervention by world governments and environmentalists, the ban on the use of products that contain HCFCs and other ozone-depleting substances^[2] has helped the large hole that was found on the ozone layer to shrink in size. Therefore if you still have a system that uses R-22, you can do your part in protecting the environment by replacing it with a newer and eco-friendly one that uses Puron (R-410a) as a refrigerant.

Comparison Of The Energy Efficiency Of R-22 Vs. R-410a

All air conditioning units deteriorate when it comes to their efficiency as they age. They undergo wear and tear due to friction. Dust and dirt accumulate on their surfaces, and they develop cracks and leaks due to pressure build-up. Even though the older systems still work, they require much more power when compared to when they were new. The more power they consume, the higher the amount of money you will have to pay for electricity. It is, therefore, better and more sensible to get a new, more efficient air conditioning unit.

Other than that, the energy efficiency of our air conditioners continues to improve every day due to advancements in HVAC technology. With everything taken into account, if you compare an HVAC system from let’s say ten years ago against one from 2019, the newer system is far more superior in terms of energy efficiency. When you add things like degradation of efficiency and wear and tear, a new air conditioning system makes more economic sense to install and use in your home.

R-22 Refrigerant Price: What Is The Cost Of R-22 In 2021?

You can still recharge your unit with the R-22 refrigerant. However, even before the final deadline of the ban took place, R22 refrigerant manufacturers have been discouraged from manufacturing it anymore. R-22 refrigerant price is going higher and higher now due to low supply and high demand. This is not expected to stop any time soon. In fact, as summer 2021 progresses, you will have to pay even more per pound of this refrigerant since its production seized entirely in January of 2020.

You will be faced with an exorbitantly high repair cost if your HVAC system’s refrigerant level falls or if it has a leak this summer. Therefore, you may want to start planning for an AC replacement now.

Air Conditioning Installation Savings And HVAC Tax Credit 2021

The US government is encouraging people to replace their air conditioning units by offering them incentives for replacing them with newer ones. Among them are tax breaks to help reduce the price of purchasing a new air conditioner. Visit the Air Conditioning Contractors of America or ACCA to learn more about the computations.

The savings you make on upgrading your AC unit is typically determined by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the rating level, the more money you can save in terms of incentives, tax credits, and rebates. Other than that, the higher the SEER rating your unit has, the better its efficiency and the lower its operating cost. Today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.^[3] Therefore, it is wise to get a higher SEER-rated AC unit.

To learn more about the available tax breaks in your area, and other ways you can save money when you upgrade your HVAC system in Pennsylvania, call R.F. Ohl today and schedule a free, in-home air conditioning system assessment.

Learn More About Our Air Conditioning Services Call Today: (610) 377-1098

 

Conclusion

For affordable HVAC services for both residential and commercial properties, contact R.F. Ohl. We provide exceptional cooling and heating services such as HVAC repairs, maintenance, tune-ups, and installations.

R.F. Ohl beats the competition in every area with affordable prices, efficient installation, friendly services, and above all high-quality services. We also pride ourselves of only employing highly experienced HVAC technicians to ensure you get value for your money.

For a free assessment and cost analysis for your home’s cooling system, please don’t waste any time and contact us today.

Call Now: (610) 377-1098 Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.

^[1] Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) (https://www.epa.gov/ods-phaseout)
^[2] Ozone depletion, explained (https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/ozone-depletion/)
^[3] US Department of Energy (https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/central-air-conditioning)