Reminder: R22 refrigerant (for HVAC systems) can no longer be produced or imported as of Jan 1, 2020

Nation: Many heating and cooling (HVAC) systems nationwide will become obsolete as of Jan 1, 2020, with the phasing out of the R22 refrigerant (Freon).

 

R22 was deemed an ozone-depleting substance by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and its import and production was initially limited in 2010, with the 10-year phase out plan in place; though continued use of R22 will still be allowed in current or recycled quantities after 2020.

 

The EPA lists R410A as a viable replacement refrigerant for R22, as R410A is a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant. However, due to R22 being a low-pressure refrigerant and R410A being a high-pressure refrigerant, many HVAC systems, typically any system older than 10 years, will essentially become obsolete because their existing condensing unit and cooling coil are not capable of handling the higher pressure refrigerants left available.

 

As the remaining stocks of R22 are depleted, costs to attempt to repair R22 systems could notably increase, and though temporary solutions exist, it is likely many home owners will find it more cost effective to upgrade their HVAC system entirely.

 

 

 

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